By Paula Balbontin | Program & Development Manager
Urban Harvest was founded in 1994 by individuals who believed that people could feed and revitalize their communities by growing healthy food. This core belief led to the creation of community gardens that address important issues like hunger, health, community development, and ecological, equitable land management. The Community Gardens Program paved the way for organic garden education: our Gardening Classes teach and promote the benefits of organic and sustainable methods, and our Youth Education Program has taught children hands-on lessons in school gardensto enhance classroom learning andpromoteyouth health since 2003. In 2004, Urban Harvest opened a year-round farmers market – now the largest in the region – that provides economic opportunity for local growers and gardeners and offers a community space for Houstonians to gather and share. Urban Harvest is supported by a hardworking staff of 9,a dedicated 12-person Board of Directors, a network of thousands of volunteers, and many individuals, foundations, community partners, and businesses.More than 25 years later, Urban Harvest continues to enrich the lives, soils, and plates of Houstonians.
In light of Covid-19, Urban Harvest is committed to doing its part to ensure everyone stays healthy, active, and nutritiously fed. In 2020, we launched “Grow Resilience,” a crisis-response strategy to continue providing resources and education, economic development, and food to those who need it most. Under Grow Resilience, our Education Program has delivered organic gardening education to 2,200 individuals and almost 4,000 school students; our Double Up Houston program matches up to $40 a day in fruits and vegetables at 16 farmers markets and farm stands across the city including our recently launched Mobile Market; our Community Gardens program now offers socially-distant volunteer opportunities, and our Farmers Markets continues to offer drive-thru options and support to a network of 95 small-scale businesses. As we learn what is needed to support our schools and communities, we are piloting innovative approaches to increase community engagement and creating the systems to expand our impact and make sure we are building lasting partnerships based on our community’s needs. To accomplish this, in 2021 Urban Harvest is investing in improving our existing programming, marketing, technologies, and systems in place to meet the increased demand for our services.
With the invaluable support of donors like you, Urban Harvest will continue to champion the vision that started it all: support fresh, real food – and those who grow and raise it. With your support, we will together cultivate thriving communities for a healthier, more sustainable Houston.
Learn more about our impact in Houston at: www.urbanharvest.org
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