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.
Education Programs
Please see the list of our offerings below or click the links in the left site navigation.
To reserve a spot for a jvuf education program email Program Director Rachel Reinhart at programs@jvuf.org with your name, the date of the program you wish to attend, email address and phone number.
ASAP (The Arts & Science of Agriculture Program)
ASAP is a state-accredited interdisciplinary hands-on science course offered to high school students both as semester-long courses during the school year and as individual field trips for high school students. learn more>>
Growing Together
This is an innovative six part training series that will take place one Saturday a month for six months, starting in December and running through May. Each class will focus on a variety of subjects that will help you and your community develop and sustain a productive garden. learn more>>
Teaching from the Garden
Teaching from the Garden is a series of teacher training workshops that provide a unique opportunity to learn about gardening, farming, food and nutrition as you develop skills and techniques for getting students and community members involved in hands-on activities that can change their diet, schools, neighborhoods, and community. learn more>>
Seed 2 Plate
Seed 2 Plate is a comprehensive food education field trip program taught at Birmingham’s only Urban Farm by Farmers, Agri-scientists, Dieticians, and Chefs, and includes activities that take place: in the field (literally), in the classroom, and in the kitchen. learn more>>
Second Saturdays
Join us at the Farm the Second Saturday of every month for a few hours or a whole day of fun, learning, and/or getting dirty. Our new Second Saturday education series is designed for adults, families, gardeners, wanna-be farmers, and healthy eaters. learn more>>
Seedling Pre-School
Budding gardeners come out to the farm for age-appropriate activities geared towards their love of wonder and the magic of the garden. learn more>>
Foodie Camp
Foodie Camp “Garden to Grocery to Gourmet” is a week-long daycamp for kids ages 11-13. Kids will be outside every day, having fun while learning about growing plants, benefiting their community, and preparing and eating healthy food. learn more>>
Want to be a volunteer or intern? get involved>>
To reserve a spot for a jvuf education program email Program Director Rachel Reinhart at programs@jvuf.org with your name, the date of the program you wish to attend, email address and phone number.