Grow Dat Youth Farm

The Mission of the Grow Dat Youth Farm is to nurture a diverse group of young leaders through the meaningful work of growing food. On our farm we work collaboratively to produce healthy food for local residents and to inspire youth and adults to create personal, social and environmental change in their own communities. Grow Dat is a place where people from different backgrounds and disciplines come together in research and practice to support public health, local economies and a sustainable food system in South Louisiana.

Building upon the existing K-8th grade food education programs in New Orleans, most notably the Edible Schoolyard, Grow Dat Youth Farm creates job opportunities for high school students in the field of urban agriculture. The farm provides a space for students to apply the interests and skills they have developed in previous cooking and gardening classes outside of the classroom. It also creates a healthy and supportive work environment for high school-aged youth from New Orleans who face limited job opportunities. With a focus on developing a sense of responsibility, community, environmental stewardship, and service among participants, the farm enhances leadership and teamwork abilities through the collaborative work of growing food.

The farm works with several high schools and youth organizations throughout New Orleans to recruit a diverse and committed group of youth who develop leadership and life skills during their intensive, hands-on work experience. Programmatic success is defined by students’ consistent participation in the program, their increased ability to communicate effectively with other students and staff, and their ability to achieve production goals on the farm.

Learn more about how we hire teenagers to grow food for New Orleans.