User:Llh19/healcresturbancommunityfarm

The Healcrest Urban Community Farm is an urban farm in the Garfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. The farm is located at the corner of Hillcrest Street and Pacific Avenue. It stretches 1.7 acres and includes four mixed vegetable/herb/fruit gardens, a small orchard, a rainwater collection system, and a community fire circle.

History

Healcrest was established in 2004, when founder Maria Graziani, in partnership with Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation, Pittsburgh Green-Up program, and Urban Redevelopment Authority, took ownership of 15 abandoned city lots in Garfield. After three years were spent clearing the area, cleaning up debris, and remediating the soil, the farm began producing food in 2007.

Mission

The Healcrest Urban Community Farm's stated mission is to "Advocat[e] the peoples’ power to grow healthy, affordable and culturally-appropriate foods through voluntary community action, commitment and collaboration" and provide green opportunities and educational resources for children in school and their families.

Projects and Activities

Green Moves in our Neighborhood

Green Moves in our Neighborhood is a hands-on educational program for History, Science and Nutrition classes that examines the history and culture of food among peoples of color in Pittsburgh. In the program students study food systems and help plant food and construct a greenhouse. So far the program has partnered with Fort Pitt Elementary Public School, The Urban League Charter School and The Neighborhood Academy High School.

Internships

Every summer, Healcrest offers internships to Pittsburgh youth. The summer internship program, available to people ages fourteen to eighteen, provides opportunities for youth to learn permaculture and biodynamic gardening. The interns also work at the garden's weekly market.