Youth Training & Opportunity on Sustainable Urban Agriculture in North Minneapolis

Appetite For Change (AFC) is a community-led organization rooted in supporting North Minneapolis to have a community owned food system that works to mitigate the impacts of climate change, preserve high quality green space and land tenure, and build sustainable farming and agricultural practices while increasing access to fresh, affordable and culturally relevant foods.

Specifically, AFC’s Youth Training & Opportunity Program (YTOP) allows youth to participate in different activities aimed at improving their interest in and knowledge of post-secondary success, promote environmental stewardship, and build their confidence to connect with and make change in their community.

Through the YTOP, we introduced youth to the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of organic growing methods within urban settings. Over the course of the program, participants learned about the differences between warm and cool crops, the significance of “days to maturity,” and proper timing for transplanting seedlings. Additionally, we educated them on plant vs. weed identification, fostering their ability to distinguish beneficial plants from pests. We also covered the broader concepts of food sovereignty and the seed-to-table life cycle, empowering them to understand their role in creating a healthier food system within their community.

Our educational approach was hands-on and experiential, combining classroom learning with practical, real-world applications in urban farms. Youth participated in a mix of structured lessons and guided activities that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and community engagement. We utilized pre-surveys and post-surveys to measure knowledge acquisition and confidence levels, alongside reflective journaling to encourage personal growth and self-assessment. As a result, participants significantly increased their knowledge about sustainable agriculture, gaining confidence in their gardening skills and understanding various career opportunities within the field. Evaluations showed that 90% of participants felt more confident in plant identification and expressed interest in pursuing careers related to sustainable agriculture.

The YTOP successfully equipped youth in North Minneapolis with essential knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture, fostering a sense of agency and connection to their community. The hands-on learning experiences not only improved their confidence in agricultural practices but also instilled a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and food justice. The program demonstrated that engaging youth in urban agriculture can lead to substantial personal and community growth, fostering a healthier food system.

The implementation of the YTOP resulted in several positive adoption actions. Youth participants actively engaged in community events, leading initiatives such as seedling distribution, which enhanced community ties. Educators reported increased enthusiasm and initiative among students, leading to greater participation in ongoing agricultural projects. Parents expressed pride in their children’s accomplishments and indicated a desire to continue exploring urban gardening at home. Many families began implementing sustainable practices and exhibiting interest in local food systems, reflecting the program's impact on both youth and their families, and highlighting the potential for long-term behavioral change in the community.