Norris Square Neighborhood Project
Programs Offered
Raíces de Cambio Youth Program (NSNP)
The Raíces de Cambio afterschool program is an apprenticeship program that teaches youth urban agriculture practices, food justice, and the cultural impacts of urban green spaces. The program aims to prepare young people for entry-level positions in horticulture or agriculture and teach them about Puerto Rican history. The program utilizes an interdisciplinary approach to youth leadership, development, and power. Students run a farm stand on Saturdays with the produce they have grown. The Raíces de Cambio apprentices are paid hourly, and spaces for this unique opportunity are limited. If you are interested in enrolling in the upcoming year, please contact Evelyn Matos (evelyn@myneighborhoodproject.org).
View ProgramYouth-led Farm Stand with Raíces de Cambio (NSNP)
Support our Raíces de Cambio youth leaders as they grow, harvest, and sell vegetables, flowers, and other garden items in our weekly farm stand! The plants, herbs, fruits, and vegetables sold at our Farm Stand are sustainably grown in our small garden, free of chemicals, and cultivated by the youth who participate in the Raíces de Cambio program at NSNP. All funds raised through the Farm Stand help us maintain our gardens and grow our youth programs. The stand accepts FMNP vouchers but cannot accept SNAP at this time. Please note, the stock of produce is dependent upon seasonality and prosperity of harvest!
View ProgramLxs Campesinx Program at Las Parcelas (NSNP)
For community members looking to grow their own produce or improve their gardening skills, get involved by renting a garden plot in the Las Parcelas garden as a Campesinx. Our Campesinxs are important ambassadors of and for a community that celebrates Puerto Rican, Afro-Caribbean, and broader Latinx cultures.
How To Join:
- Every March, current members are given a chance to renew, and beds may open up for new members. To be considered, please complete the waitlist form before March 31st. Campesinx are free to use their plot through the end of harvest.
- OR download the form and return it to victoria@myneighborhoodproject.org
Membership Requirements:
- Must be 18 to have a plot on their own.
- Preferably 10+ years living within the NSNP catchment area, bound by Berks St to the South, Lehigh Ave to the North, Front St to the East, and 5th St to the West. Applicants will be prioritized by this category.
- There is a sliding scale annual fee of $0 to $40 for individual personal plots. Funds go to support materials provided to members of the program. However, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
- Institutional plots (Nonprofits, etc.) are $75 per year, due to multiple-person use and access.
- Members are expected to participate in Collective Clean Up Days once per month, weed beds and paths regularly, among other expectations. Please reach out to victoria@myneighborhoodproject.org to review the Membership Guidelines.
Benefits of Membership:
- Workshops offerings to learn more about gardening, composting, food production, etc.
- Access to water, tools, kitchen, and harvesting from shared spaces.
- Use of garden space for 1 private event.
- Connect with neighbors and grow food together!