Urban Farming Institute

5
(16 reviews)
Last updated: May 23, 2025
Website
617-989-9920
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About The Business

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.

Location & Hours

Urban Farming Institute

487 Norfolk St, Mattapan, 2126

617-989-9920

Get directions
Hours
Mon
10AM-4PM
Tue
10AM-4PM
Wed
10AM-4PM
Thu
10AM-4PM
Fri
10AM-4PM
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed

Additional Information

Class types:

Professional culinary program, Kids’ classes, Multi-session course

Age groups:

Kids, Adults

Skill level:

Beginner, Intermediate

Class themes:

Knife Skills, Healthy Cooking, Farm-to-Table

Class sizes:

Unspecified

Participation types:

Hands-on

Teacher credentials:

Unspecified

Class types:

Adult Education Center

Class duration:

Extended program

BYOB allowed?

Not allowed

Urban Farming Institute Reviews

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Avoid Gather & Forge – My Experience with Their Private Chef Services

September 12, 2025

I don’t usually write negative reviews, but I wanted to share my experience in case it helps someone else avoid the same mistake.

I hired Gather & Forge well in advance to provide a great private dining experience for guests I had flown in from across the country—two nights in a row. Both nights were a letdown.

The chef showed up 45 minutes to an hour late each night.

The food wasn’t hot. It came out lukewarm or even cool.

The quality of the meal didn’t justify the price. Honestly, I’d say the value was maybe 60% of what we paid.

I gave them plenty of chances to make it right, but they had no interest in doing so. As much as I think Brandon (the chef) worked hard, the overall service just didn’t live up to the cost or the expectations.

Bottom line: Gather & Forge is overpriced, underdelivers, and doesn’t seem to care about customer satisfaction. I really wanted this to be a great experience, but I would never use them again and highly discourage anyone from booking them for private chef services.

Clay

Fabulous venue for events & Italian cooking classes!

August 25, 2025

Our BYOB wine group had an amazing experience Saturday night at A Taste of Milan in the Southside with Chef Sidney and Katie! We learned how to make home made pasta and enjoyed her family recipes handed down from generations! Truly beyond 5 stars and it was a magical evening! Thank you Sidney and Katie

Kim Marie Angiulli