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Youth At Risk: The solution to youth problems is W O R K. They acquire self-esteem, stay
busy, feel useful, learn self-discipline and earn money. Gardening has been found by San
Antonio, TX to be the most effective solution to the youth problem. It is much more
effective than sports. Records show that after students are involved in gardening that their
school attendance, morale and grades improve. Gang activity decreases sharply in
neighborhoods where the youth are engaged in gardening. Mini-ranching will be even more
effective with some youth and it can be done in the city.
"Intervention and prevention before the kids are caught up in the justice system is much less
costly in human lives and dollars." Dr. R Wampler, 806-742-3000.
"I have never had a kid involved in 4-H in juvenile court." Judge Whiteaker.
Read: "No Matter How Loud I shout-A year in Judge Dorn's Juvenile Court", by Ed Humes.
Also see the list at Community Supported Agriculture
Gangs: Their first priority is unconditional love from someone. The second priority is a
decent, regular job. This is true among those selling drugs. "I feel so terrible when I sell
drugs but I have to support my lady and baby. I feel so good inside when I work, sweat and
take home a paycheck." (Gang member). Many gangs have more students in the gifted range
of IQ than the average suburban high school. They are not satisfied with labor jobs. Use
their abilities as urban mini-farmers/ranchers on inner-city vacant land.
Read: "Father Greg and the Homeboys", 1995, C Freman.
Youth Reformatory and Prison: An increase in self-esteem and responsibility is evident
among youth already in the Criminal Justice System and the drug rehab programs when they
garden. Gardening within prisons has a proven track record. Upon leaving prison, they have
an immediate means of making a living with little assistance.
Read: "A Patch of Eden", Ch. 2-San Francisco, A City of Stars.
Crime Prevention: A Philadelphia police officer noted that crime decreased from 40 to 4
incidents per month after she started a gardening program. On Dearborn Street, San
Francisco, CA, the crime rate dropped 26% after one year of gardening.
Unemployed/Homeless: Most people want to work; not take handouts. Their labor can
produce food for themselves and others. Using vacant land to produce food lets them keep
their dignity and pride. Use bicycles for transportation, etc.
Job Training: The permanently unemployed and those seeking new careers should be
trained in Urban Agriculture. The program would do market gardening, mini-farming/ranching
in order to be relatively self-supporting as it trains people. Teaches responsibility. Classes
can be conducted anywhere at anytime to train people.
Contact: Intervale Foundation
Mentally/Physically Disabled: The activity of choice is gardening and market gardening.
Adults with Downs Syndrome in Abilene, TX, operate a very successful mini-farm and
mini-ranch. Every mental health association and department should have an urban
agriculture program as part of their rehab and vocational training. Special raised beds can
be used by the physically disabled. This is an opportunity for them to become self-
supporting. Modification of gardening equipment solves most how to problems.
916-352-4224, Marshall Loskot.
School Gardens: They have a proven track record for using gardening for teaching science,
arts, math, etc. Most importantly, it teaches gardening. Gardens in high schools are much
more successful and effective than those in other grades. The cost is very low. Students
can be trained so they can make a good living.
Contact: Food Works, 802-223-1515, fax 223-8980.
Community Gardens: These provide gardening opportunities for apartment dwellers, etc.
They are as much a social interaction as gardening. Every vacant lot should be in
mini-agriculture from applications as simple as wild flowers to mini-farming. Those who are
interested should be encouraged to get lots/land as private mini-farmers. Older, retired
people can be mentors to a young people in gardening.
Read: "A Patch of Eden", Ch. 3, Philadelphia- A City of Neighborhoods.
The urban/rural farmers of the world can produce sufficient food for all the people on the
earth regardless of the number. We have the knowledge and skill to double food production
and it can be accomplished ecologically, sustainably and without chemicals. Don't listen to
the doomsday talkers.
Copyright © 2000 Ken Hargesheimer
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