UAS Hosts Summer Ambassador Program

Growing Solutions Farm is bustling with activity this Summer, as we've been thrilled to welcome the energetic and enthusiastic young participants of our Summer Ambassador Program. Starting Thursday, July 6th and continuing weekly through the end of the month, participants ages 10 to 13, who have Autism or a related challenge, have had the opportunity to engage in urban agriculture under the guidance and supervision of lead farmer Tucker Kelly and other UAS staff mentors. Participants have enjoyed learning in an interactive, hands-on way about the operations of the farm and different types of produce. They've had an absolute blast harvesting potatoes and beets directly from the soil and then washing and preparing them to be sold at our Farm Stand. Participants even learned how to make beet juice from freshly harvested beets, with most finding the refreshing drink surprisingly delicious!

This enriching Summer opportunity is organized by the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council with the sponsorship of Meridian Health of Illinois. UAS is deeply grateful for our partnership with these wonderful organizations! Because of their support and generosity, there is a lot of growth happening at the Farm this Summer!