Editor鈥檚 note: In spring of 2022, our parent company, 国产吃瓜黑料, Inc. launched and partnered with 14 nonprofit organizations that share our mission to get everyone outside in support of a healthy planet. During this giving season, we鈥檙e hoping to raise at least $1,500 for each of our partners鈥攁 modest goal that is attainable with your help! Please consider a tax-deductible donation of any amount to the following organization. Thank you!听
, a food-based educational nonprofit based in Birmingham, Alabama, believes in growing a healthy future. By establishing seven teaching farms in the midst of Birmingham鈥檚 public school system, JVHF proves that urban gardens and related programming can pave the way to a brighter future. 鈥淲e believe in the powerful act of growing and sharing food as a medium for young people to learn about life,鈥 says Amanda Storey, JVTF鈥檚 Executive Director. 鈥淭his foundational approach connects [kids] to the earth, and the future land stewards are being nurtured and developed.鈥
The Pre-K-12 food-based education model unfolds alongside traditional school subjects like math, science, and social studies, but it works to get kids outside in the sunshine with their hands in the dirt. 鈥淲e鈥檙e also growing a child鈥檚 curiosity, sense of wonder, and awe,鈥 Storey explains. 鈥淭he simple acts of growing food can open the world, and that act can then be given to another.鈥
Case in point, the nonfit, which first took root in 2007, now has a staff of 33, and almost 35 percent of the full time staff are graduates of the program. 鈥淭hat is true systemic change, it鈥檚 a testament to the program because we have people who know what an impact it made on them and that they want to keep doing it,鈥 Storey says. The program also offers 10 high schoolers paid internships at $15 an hour (this year 40 students applied for the 10 slots).
At the heart of Jones Valley Teaching Farm is the belief that school should be a dynamic experience. 鈥淓very child deserves an outdoor learning environment, to know the skills to feed a family, to be excited and curious about the world while learning subjects beyond worksheets,鈥 Storey explains. Over the last 16 years, JVTF has become a national model for food-based educational programs and the nonprofit鈥檚 benefits are felt far and wide.
Raising a modest $1,500 for will allow the non-profit to sow 25,000 seedlings to distribute to 43 community gardens across the state of Alabama, helping to provide healthy, fresh produce to its neighbors. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of any amount to this incredible organization.