Urban Roots works to create a just food system by cultivating an environment where youth leaders and nutritious, culturally relevant food can thrive. On our farms, youth leaders grow food in service to others, distributing thousands of pounds of nutrient-dense produce to those in Austin who experience food insecurity or hunger. We think of it as creating a just food system one youth leader at a time. Our programs are designed to build community around the land and the nourishment it provides, and to support youth participants in growing as leaders who can advocate for positive change in our food system.

Each year we provide paid internships and fellowships to 75 young people, ages 14-23. They work together with 1,000+ community volunteers to harvest from 25,000 to 35,000 pounds of fresh food annually. We partner with organizations to distribute the food through home delivery, mobile markets, pop-up markets in low-income housing complexes, neighborhood food pantries, and prepared meals. We also host educational farm tours for school-aged children to engage in learning games on the farm as they experience where their food comes from, from planting seeds to nibbling a freshly harvested carrot.