Our Programs
Black Thumb Farm’s programming focuses on educating youth in our community
and restoring the vital, broken connections of communities with nutritious food and with the land. Food is grown sustainably and with an eye on long-term soil health. Our approach helps youth to reclaim their collective sovereignty through a more intentional connection with land and food, while also building a wide range of highly marketable conservation, outreach, and advocacy job skills.
Farm Hands
Designed for young people 14 to 18 years of age, our Farm Hands are introduced to farming and gardening education that teaches the histories of traditional farming practices, crediting the sources, most of which are Indigenous, Afro-centric, and Asian. They work the land alongside our team and Lead Educator to practice and continue these closed circle processes. We also have guest teachers come share expertise with us, including how to run small food-oriented businesses, growing unique and indigenous varieties of crops, cooking and food preparation, and more.
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Neighborhood Nourishments
Donation-based, weekend workshops that are open to the community and meant to nourish all that attend, mind, body, and soul. Topics ranging from gardening tips to yoga, nutrition, cooking, and more are covered. We aim to give everyone that enters our space a grounding experience rooted in the Earth and community knowledge. Our workshops are led by team members, BTF Fellows, and guest speakers.
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Youth in Bloom
Program begins July 2024!
Youth in Bloom is designed to provide teens age 14-18 work experience, mentorship, and industry skills toward your future career! Youth will work with the Black Thumb Farm team to manage the CSA while also learning life skills relevant to being in the workforce and working in community. This 6 week summer program supports, and is supported by, our Summer CSA, linking our community together from customer to program participant.
Black Thumb Gardens
Black Thumb Farm maintains school garden programs at two schools in the San Fernando Valley, Stoney Point High School and Valor Academy High School. We invite youth to learn to farm and garden in ways that benefit people as well as the natural environment. We teach the histories of traditional farming practices and work the land to continue these closed circle processes. Our intention is to empower students to fight for food sovereignty in their communities as well as give them access to a safe, green space where they can explore their own passions and connection to the land amongst their peers.
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