Urban Farming Institute is an organization based in Mattapan, MA, dedicated to fostering community development through urban agriculture. The institute works to build a resilient and equitable food system by providing access to fresh produce, creating economic opportunities, and offering educational programs within the community. Their activities center around farming practices and their broader impact on health and local economies.
The institute provides various educational programs for both adults and youth. A significant part of their adult education includes a culinary training program. This program aims to prepare individuals for careers in the food industry by teaching essential culinary techniques, food safety standards, knife skills, and various cooking methods, emphasizing a farm-to-table philosophy.
Education also extends to younger community members through youth culinary classes. These hands-on sessions teach food preparation, cooking skills, and the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits. The youth programs utilize the fresh produce grown on the institute’s urban farms, connecting participants directly to the source of their food and reinforcing the principles of sustainable agriculture and healthy living.