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Urban Youth Harvest

A Good Idea

Description

PUEBLO (People United for a Better Life in Oakland) partnered with several local non-profit organizations to pioneer an innovative food policy reform initiative, the Urban Youth Harvest, to hire young people to harvest the summer fruit grown.

The Urban Youth Harvest employs young people to harvest the extra produce offered by many homeowners and deliver it to low-income seniors who lack access to healthy produce. In addition, youth attend workshops where they learn about the relationship of food and health and explore the disparities in health as they relate to the political framework of society.

Goal / Mission

The program strives to provide jobs for young people and fresh produce for low-income seniors.

Results / Accomplishments

Following a three week pilot program, The Urban Youth Harvest was greatly expanded with community support, grants, and federal stimulus funds. Thousands of pounds of produce are collected each year. The Urban Youth Harvest was recognized as a culinary crusader by Food and Wine Magazine.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
PUEBLO (People United for a Better Life in Oakland)
Primary Contact
3528 Foothill Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94601
(510) 535-2525
pueblo@peopleunited.org
http://www.peopleunited.org/
Topics
Community / Civic Engagement
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Older Adults
Organization(s)
PUEBLO (People United for a Better Life in Oakland)
Date of implementation
2007
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Oakland
For more details
Target Audience
Teens, Older Adults