Food Justice

Youth Climate Action Participants at George Jones Farm will work on various activities throughout the site supporting food production for City Fresh shareholders, and the maintenance of our environment. Students will have the opportunity to grow their own food, join in a permaculture installation project, and explore the science behind farming. Every Friday (ish), May through October, GJF will open the farm up to youth from noon to 5pm, where they will be guided through projects by the farm staff. Additionally, all students who participate regularly will be invited to join for GJF events, and farm labs throughout the summer. All aspects of farming, including soil prep, planting seeds, harvest, and post production processes will be explored, in addition to the natural systems which make it possible.

Soil Science and Composting

Participants will help build and transition a sizable on-farm space into a biologically active and productive state for the purpose of recycling food and other organic waste into soil amendments for farming. The project will include the study and implementation of different composting methods including mulching compost, inoculating compost, and fertilizing compost. These various methods require different inputs and have different micronutrient and trace mineral makeup in their output. Participants will monitor temperature, pH, moisture, CO2, and nutrient and microorganism content. Finished products will be used in weed suppression, water retention, erosion control, and soil remediation for regenerative agriculture at George Jones, contributing to the reduction of agricultural runoff and the sequestration of carbon. This investigative, hands-on project will enhance engagement for participants, reinforcing the power of citizen science and community efforts to combat the effects of climate crisis.

Learning Outcomes