These days, even the unlikeliest of diners are learning the value of earth-to-plate eating. At-risk teens, once more accustomed to Frosties than frisée, are getting crash courses in gardening and nutrition by tending garden plots on Los Angeles' Earthworks Community Farm. The teens then sell the farm's flowers and vegetables for rock-bottom prices at a weekly produce stand and through a CSA program, with leftovers going to area food banks.
At Boston's The Farm @ Long Island Shelter's 4-acre organic farm, homeless people grow and harvest nearly 30,000 pounds of organic produce each year, which is distributed to shelters throughout the city. Program participants also sell their goods at local farmers' markets, so be sure to say hello if you pass through.
Stop by either farm this summer, and return home with a bag of fresh produce and a warm, gooey feeling in your heart—no extra charge.
Learn more:
EarthWorks Community Farm
The Farm @ Long Island Shelter
What if you can't quite make it to the farms? Plant a patch of earth. It's a simple act of activism. Rocket greens, mustard greens, kohlrabi, and our fave—broccoli raab—take just 60 days from seed to harvest. So set your green thumb free this month at burpee.com. (Hint: check out the grower's chart.).