Speaking to gardeners at La Finquita, it seemed the youth program was something they were especially enthusiastic about. Keeps them out of trouble in the summertime, and that's hard to do. Especially in Holyoke. Last year, members of the youth program planted thirty-eight trees throughout Holyoke. Miguel Hernandez , who oversees the youth project, explained that the program benefits not only the children, but the residents who teach them about the land.
People love it.
The youth program strengthens the community by linking generations, and by helping young and old residents realize that there are valuable skills and traditions within their own community. Public Education Nuestras Raices also co-ordinates workshops in public health, nutrition, organic farming techniques, leadership, and commercial food preparation. Daniel Ross explained to me, that while the gardens do not ban the use of chemicals or conventional farming techniques, many members of the Board of Directors strongly encourage gardeners to explore organic methods. Encouraging Holyoke residents to learn more about organic food production is another way Nuestras Raices empowers the community it serves. Giving people the information they need to make decisions about their health is something our society often fails to do.