Mother & Daughter at our Intergenerational Community Workday taught us about their use of plants in Haitian culture
We hope everyone and their families are safe after last week’s tumultuous Hurricane Ian. We spent Monday preparing all day at the farm for the storm and throughout the week made sure to tend to our aquaponics system and tilapia. We did lose power at the farm and our water pump shorted out, but we made it through mostly unscathed. We got power back Thursday and managed to get our aquaponics system back up and running to optimum conditions on Friday last week. Our hearts go out to the folks in South Florida who are dealing with the devastating aftermath. We are doing our part to help with relief in underserved communities in most need providing what we can.
Aside from the abrupt end to the month and losing a week of programming, we were graced with so many amazing volunteers in September. Nearly 50 employees from McKinsey & Company helped knock out a lot of work we needed done around the farm, especially weeding and building up more beds. This will have been their 3rd time joining us at the farm, the first time nearly a year ago in November! Another group from Eckerd came out for their Eckerd Day of Service, they were such troopers they even tried to stick it out in the rain until it became a torrential downpour.

We followed that volunteer day with our last Saturday Community Workday which was a great gathering of our dedicated volunteers. Special shoutout to Professor Will Schanbacher from USF who took the plunge to help us unclog our fish tanks by jumping right in with the fish. We are eternally grateful for the support.

Definitely check out more opportunities to come out to the farm, we received several more bird baths from the Morean Center for Clay to add thanks to their Summer Camp Youth. So come feast your eyes on what's new and growing at the Youth Farm!
Our Youth were invited by Pinellas Remembers President Danny White for their event at USF with guest speaker Eric Deggans. It was a wonderful engagement with great food, awesome speaker, and an important opportunity for our Ambassadors to learn and know about the work being done to elevate the racial history in St. Petersburg so it's never forgotten.
We’re looking forward to all the excitement that October will afford us. From farm tours, volunteer groups, being out at events in the City and so much more.

If anyone has any Outdoor Halloween decorations they'd like to donate, we’re preparing for our BIG Farm-O-Ween event at the end of this month. Our Youth Ambassadors are transforming the farm into a haunted destination for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
More details below!
September Highlight - New Farm Supervisor
Our new Farm Supervisor Kenzell Williams joins the Youth Farm team!
Kenzell at the Neighborhood Conversation at Enoch Davis on Sept 13th representing the St. Pete Youth Farm!
We're excited to highlight our new addition to the leadership team at St. Pete Youth Farm! Kenzell Williams, 19, volunteered with us over the Summer to learn more about what we do. Kenzell was a natural fit for the supervisor role when the time came to transition to our Fall programming. He plays a big part in being an example to our youth and taking care of day-to-day farm duties.

What got you interested in getting involved at St. Pete Youth Farm?
"Learning how to grow my own food and take care of my own land," he said, "I can take care of me and my family."

What do you enjoy about working here?
"I like the environment, I like the youthfulness, we're literally around growth everyday." For him it keeps him busy with meaningful work versus working a regular job. Outside the farm, Kenzell enjoys boxing, roller skating, and running.
Farm Updates!
  • We lost 7 banana trees (several fruiting) in the storm and we're waiting for some to ripen
  • 2+ tons of food waste diverted to compost in September
  • Harvesting a lot of okra as well as cassava (yuca) and giving away to community members
  • Planted more collards, kale, pigeon peas, okra, mustard; as well as tomatoes, squash/zucchini, & more!
  • We've built up 4 additional beds for planting Fall crops
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
Join us this October for Farm-O-Ween!

THE FARM IS ALIVE!!! 🧟‍♂️👻

Celebrate the Halloween season at St. Pete Youth Farm on Saturday, Oct 29th.
We dare you to navigate all the spooky creatures that live and lurk. Find all the exciting treasures hidden around the farm with a scavenger hunt - only winners leave with a trove of candy. Yes, costumes are encouraged! We will be awarding the best ones with a costume contest so wear your scariest, silliest, or most creative costume.

Delightfully delicious food and snacks will be provided, just don't be surprised if you find an eyeball or two in the punch. 👀

This a great way to spend Halloween weekend with the family. 🎃
Saturday Community Workday
October 29th | 9-11am
We will still have our usual Community Workday on Saturday that morning of Oct 29th to do major transformations for our Farm-O-Ween event in the evening.
Volunteer support would be greatly appreciated as we add the finishing touches to the haunted greenhouse and more!
Youth Farm in the News
St. Pete Catalyst | Sept 6th, 2022
Long-awaited facility and operational improvements are on the way for the St. Pete Youth Farm as it continues blossoming into an oasis for teens on the city’s south side. Read more here!
Come Grow With Us!
Visit our website for upcoming events!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on what's growing on at the St. Pete Youth Farm!#TogetherWeGrow
Thank you!
St. Pete Youth Farm | 727-565-3930