Seeding in the green house

Its spring time! We are back in the garden. It is still too cold outside but we are doing alot of seeding in the green house. stay posted Jerica sandiford

Springtime Investigation

Youth from the Aetna Center for Families, helped out with some seed investigation...Besides sun, soil, air, and water; seeds need lots of hands if they are to become the foods we all love. And hands they got when we planted tomatoes, spinach, salad mix and collard greens...Stay tuned as we follow these seeds from the classroom to the greenhouse to the field to our plate! -Shannon

Spring is in the Air

Look closely, no look again, can you see them? A shiny red finger pushing up through the cold soil...Those are Emperor Tulips, planted last October. They have been patiently waiting for longer days and warmer temperatures. Bulbs emerging are the surest sign of the coming spring next to the Robins stepping out! We are tracking the path of spring with a program called Journey North. See how Hartford is part of the national and global project! This Monday is the Vernal Equinox, aka. The First Day of Spring...What does that mean? Stay tuned and you soon see! -Shannon

Opportunities with GROW Hartford!!!

Be An INTERN With the Hartford Food System We are hiring a Food and Garden Educator for the GROW Hartford youth development and urban agriculture program. This exciting opportunity brings together youth development, outdoor education, and urban farming. This position will work closely with the GROW Hartford Program Director to be responsible for developing and implementing the GROW curricula for our youth programs and community education component. About GROW Hartford: GROW Hartford, promotes a sustainable and equitable food system in Hartford by cultivating community leadership, nutrition and food education and agricultural entrepreneurship. We operate a half acre organic urban mini-farm and farmers market with the GROW youth crew. GROW curricula explores youth leadership and fosters innovative community action related to food justice, and sustainable agriculture. Check out our blog and see what we are up to, www.growhartford.blogspot.com Responsibilities Include >Teaching and developing current youth program curricula and community education curricula connecting sustainable food systems and the environment, cooking and nutrition, community organizing and cultivating youth leadership, > Supervising and assisting with coordination of GROW Hartford youth crew, community education groups, and volunteers including field work, field trips and educational programming, > Working in the garden leading work projects with youth and volunteers including weeding, harvesting, planting and special garden projects. > Working with program director with Outreach goals. Key Attributes · Proven teaching capabilities and youth development experience, · Strong leadership skills with knowledge of program planning, interest in forging community relationships and collaborative projects, · Ability and experience working with diverse populations, under-resourced communities in a flexible and dynamic outdoor setting, · A commitment to creating a healthy Hartford, with an interest in nutrition, cooking, gardening, and food justice, · Willingness to work outside, in sometime adverse weather, on garden projects that will get your hands dirty!. · Ability to be flexible and creative, think on your feet and an appreciation for good food a plus! COMMITMENT: 15 hour per week + some Saturdays, beginning June and runs through August. TO APPLY: Send a letter of interest and resume to Shannon Raider, Program Director GROW Hartford, Hartford Food System, 191 Franklin Ave. Hartford, CT 06114, (860)296.9325 or email Shannon@hartfordfood.org. The Hartford Food System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and people of color strongly encouraged to apply.

just checking in

Just thought I’ll say hi to every one. It’s getting busy, and im ready for the season to start. It is too cold for me. A lot has been going on this winter. For me I have been preparing myself for college. I have been accepted into three schools. Those schools are Capital Community College, the University of Hartford and Central Connecticut State University. Wish me luck! Jerica Sandiford