Austin nonprofit Urban Roots cultivates young leaders, local food access

“Truly, the way that we're on the land, the way that we're with each other, the way that we present our curriculum to the youth is all a piece of this mission of cultivating this conscious and confident community of leaders,” Buda said.

About the program

Urban Roots offers paid internships to high school students in which they get the opportunity to plant, harvest and pack food at the organization’s farms in East and South Austin; get culinary experiences; learn about local access and equity; lead volunteer groups; and connect with other young leaders.

Corbin said it's important to cater to teenagers so they can access hands-on, immersive opportunities they may not find elsewhere.

“The idea is that if we work with young people, the impact into the future that we have, I think could be greater,” Corbin said. “... Teenagers are so creative and hilarious, and they have so much to offer, yet there's so many negative stereotypes about teenagers, especially these days with technology.”

“I think it's important from the environmental and health and wellness standpoint of our community to point at something tangible and teach something tangible that's not just a philosophy or a theory,” Buda said. “It’s like we are making a real difference to our neighbors right now by giving them the fresh vegetables that we grew and that in their life that just made a difference.”

Get involved

Urban Roots offers educational farm tours and welcomes individuals and groups to volunteer at either location. According to the organization’s website, volunteers work with youth leaders or staff planting, harvesting and packing fresh produce to be distributed.

• 7651 Delwau Lane, Austin; 4711 Winnebago Lane, Austin
• www.urbanrootsatx.org