EDUCATION / ASAP

JVUF reaches out to the community in a number of ways. Our core outreach connection is made through our Community Gardens, where community members farm their own plots on JVUF garden sites with our assistance. Almost 50 households garden these plots in conjunction with our urban farms, at our East Avondale garden and at the Gardens of Park Place in downtown. Both gardens provide our neighbors with a place to grown their own organic produce and flowers, as well as a way to connect with our education programs.

In addition to these programs, JVUF offers a monthly series of organic gardening classes to the general public. This Second Saturday Series welcomes the general public to learn about organic farming methods and fresh, local food. Visitors may also take a self-guided tour of our demonstration farm downtown, showcasing sustainable farming methods and providing access to healthy lifestyle activities.

JVUF plays a leadership role in a number of collaborative groups throughout the county and the state that are making a difference. JVUF helped start The Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network and The Greater Birmingham Community Food Partners. JVUF Director, Edwin Marty, currently serves on the board of both. JVUF is also leading the Jefferson County Childhood Obesity Taskforce, a group started in conjunction with the Jefferson County Department of Health. This taskforce is developing a collaborative pilot project in Birmingham to help change the diet and exercise habits of inner-city youth.