Marion-Polk Food Share Youth Farm

The Marion-Polk Food Share Youth Farm is a collaborative educational project of the Marion-Polk Food Share and OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development that aims to increase the quality, diversity, and stability of the local food system. Our two-acre, youth-run urban vegetable farm has 3 primary goals: 1) Develop the next generation of farmers and food advocates by giving Salem-area high school students valuable work experience in running a small farm business. 2) Teach Salem-area youth about the health and environmental impacts of their food choices. 3) Increase food security throughout our community by providing direct access to much needed nutritious produce. The Youth Farm grows over 40 different types of produce that is sold through CSA shares and at our booth at the Salem Saturday Market. We donate any unsold produce to the local food bank network. All proceeds help fund stipends for the 12 youth farmers who help run the farm 4 days per week from June through August.