The Problem
Boysvillle is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster children from birth to 19 years old, as well as unhoused young adults and single mothers in Bexar County, Texas. We serve over 300 individuals annually through comprehensive wrap-around services, all aimed at creating a safe, family-like environment for children in need, helping them grow into responsible adults. Recently, we've observed a concerning trend: rising costs of everyday essentials, such as food, have left many young people ill-prepared to feed themselves after leaving our campus. They often lack hands-on experience in exploring the food options available to them.
Our Plan
Boysville is excited to establish a small garden on our campus with the vision of creating a farm-to-table initiative. While our staff will oversee the project, the youth we serve will take the lead in making decisions about what to plant—such as tomatoes, potatoes, grapes, and squash—and will be involved in all aspects of gardening. This includes planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and preparing the produce for the cottages where they live. Our goal is to help the youth, that we serve, understand the importance of gardening while providing them with hands-on experience. By engaging in this process, we aim to equip them with valuable skills and better food options, empowering them to transition into responsible adults when they leave Boysville and enter the wider world.