Youth Programs
We believe supporting youth gardening programs is an essential part of creating a sustainable gardens network and ending hunger in our region. Working with youth plants the seeds for lifelong, healthy gardening and eating habits and teaches broader lessons about responsibility, cooperation, and respect for nature.
We offer support services to school and youth run gardens, as well as resources for garden curriculum and youth workshops. We link our community gardens with youth groups whenever possible, to engage young people in the important work of ending hunger and building community.
The Marion-Polk Food Share Community Gardens Program currently works with the following youth-gardening programs:
-The Oregon School for the Deaf Urban Farm
-The West Salem Boys and Girls Club Community Garden
-Four Corners Elementary School/Julie’s Garden
-Hoover Elementary School/St. Timothy’s Community Garden
-Head Start/Center St. Community Garden
-Kennedy Elementary School/Whittam Community Garden
-Hammond Elementary Community Garden
We are always interested in facilitating more youth-oriented programs. If your garden would like to partner with a youth organization, or vice-versa, please contact the Gretchen Doering, Youth Gardens Coordinator at gdoering@marionpolkfoodshare.org or 971-388-4244.