Planting Seeds of Community: Teen Central Visits The Opp Hub Farm 

On Tuesday, August 11, from 4–6 p.m., Teen Central (TC) participants visited The Opportunity Hub Farm for an afternoon of learning, harvesting, cooking, and community connection. 

The Opp Hub Farm hosted TC for a tour and hands-on mint harvesting activity. The experience introduced participants to urban agriculture and highlighted the Farm’s role in the community. 

“Something I learned today is that organic doesn’t necessarily mean smaller or less quality,” TC Summer Youth Employee Program (SYEP) member Kayla said. “In fact, it’s actually better for you so you should really consider going somewhere like Urban Farms or local farmers markets and things of that nature compared to chain grocery stores.”  

While some participants had previously engaged with The Opp Hub Farm for other activities, this visit brought the entire group together to explore the Farm and discover new ways to get involved, including composting. 

After the tour and harvest, participants took part in a farm-to-table cooking workshop led by Sylvia Center. Using locally grown ingredients, participants practiced cooking skills while preparing pesto pasta. They also had the opportunity to enjoy a meal made with ingredients grown in their community. 

“These types of programs are extremely needed for our youth and it’s really important because we are teaching them a life skill that they take forever,” Sylvia Center chef and food instructor Destiny said. “A lot of our teens are not cooking at home, or they don’t have someone to cook for them, so it’s better for them to learn so that they can get back to whomever in that way as well.”  

For some participants, the workshop introduced a new meal they may enjoy preparing and eating again. For others, it provided a firsthand look at opportunities to participate in urban agriculture. 

Overall, the event gave TC participants an opportunity to learn, create, and enjoy a new experience together while exploring another part of their community. 

Photos By JaJuan Morris-Guity