Cultivating Youth, a program of Cultivating Communities, works to help low-income youth lead healthier lives through gardening-based nutrition education in Seattle Housing Authority communities. Through education, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships, Cultivating Youth shares nutrition and community gardening knowledge to with students of diverse economic, racial, ethnic, ability and gender groups; promotes healthy eating and builds community through teenage youth volunteer programs.

Description:
The Cultivating Youth program provides youth gardening and nutrition education at three youth garden sites in Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) communities. In the 2003-2004 school year, 170 youth participated in
hands-on gardening classes at High Point (in West Seattle), Rainier Vista, or NewHolly youth gardens. At these sites, children have an opportunity to eat vegetables and fruits fresh from the gardens and learn simple preparation such as stir-fry and salsa. The children are primarily first-generation immigrants. The gardening program helps link them to their parents' culture while educating them about where their food comes from, its nutritional value, and how to grow it. In this 2004-2005 school year, Cultivating Youth is working year-round with 10 elementary school classes at High Point Elementary. We are also partnered with after-school service providers at the High Point, NewHolly, and Rainier Vista SHA communities to provide hands-on gardening classes for elementary youth. Cultivating Youth is a program of the P-Patch Trust.

Contact person: Becky Schomaker, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

5405 Delridge Way SW Seattle, WA 98106 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://cultivatingyouth.org

Directions:

Nearest Bus Stop: 120

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	No
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	No
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	No