The Just Food Initiative (JFI) of the Fox Valley is looking for a few young men and women of black heritage who would like to reclaim the agricultural skills of their grandcestors.
Young Black Agri-preneurs, now in its second year, will begin in April. Youth in grades five through nine are invited to Just Food’s two-part program.
• First, five classes in April and May to learn about soil, seeds, plants, animals, good food, and people who work in the food industry. Lots of hands-on learning will appeal to youth of these ages. Just Food has room for 12 youngsters. Classes are held in Aurora.
• Second, children who have completed the classroom topics are eligible to take part in the all-Summer growing of a small container garden of veggies for their own family. Each child receives a personal adult mentor. The garden is at their own home. Just Food will have room for six young gardeners.
The cost for the Spring class is $45, if the family can afford it. Summer gardening cost is $75, all supplies and plants included. Partial and total scholarships are available for families who want to participate but cannot afford the fee. Just Food is looking primarily for interest and commitment; others in the JFI community will help with the fee.
At the current time, JFI works up and down the Fox River, and sees no local, family, small-holding, organic farms owned by a Black family. By 2031, Just Food hopes that at least one child of the 10 years of its Young Black Agri-preneurs program will be the first black-owned family farm to serve the community.
For more information or to inquire about registration, contact Cindy Sansale at admin@justfood-foxvalley.org or 630-383-1357.
— Just Food Initiative of the Fox Valley