Empowering Kids Through Nature: How the Lost Sierra Food Project Fosters Outdoor Connection

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables is vital for all kids. The Lost Sierra Food Project, led by passionate individuals like Vanessa Vasquez and Jessica Ritchey, is making that happen in Quincy, California. Their aim is to connect families and children to local food sources while cultivating a love for healthy eating and agriculture.

Rugged Roots Farm is the heart of this initiative. Located at 501 Crescent St, this 2.5-acre farm offers students the chance to work outdoors, planting and harvesting organic produce. It’s run by the Lost Sierra Food Project, which took over from the original operators, Elizabeth Powell and Cody Reed, after they started it as Five Foot Farm over a decade ago.

Vanessa, who has a background in non-profit management and community development, joined the team as the executive director last year. Jessica, with ten years of nursing experience, wanted to contribute to youth health and education through local farming when she became the farm educator. Together, they are fostering a sense of community and education through agriculture.

The Lost Sierra Food Project runs on a budget of around $400,000, which is down from previous years due to funding challenges. Their key program, Farm-to-School, provides fresh produce to local schools. While budget cuts have limited direct sales to schools this year, they continue to find creative solutions, like taste tests to introduce fresh produce to students. Just last year, taste tests were done in multiple schools, and they hope to expand these efforts.

According to a recent study by the USDA, the Farm-to-School movement has grown significantly, with over 42% of schools reported participating. This shows a strong trend towards providing fresh, local food to students, which can improve overall health and school performance.

High school students in the area also have a chance to gain hands-on experience through internships. The Lost Sierra Food Project received a USDA grant for high school interns. Each summer, students work on the farm, learning about sustainable practices like composting and water management while earning $16.50 an hour. These internships not only provide work experience but also include valuable food safety training.

Furthermore, the farm hosts a summer camp for younger children, where high school students can serve as counselors. This program not only gives younger kids exposure to farming but also helps develop leadership skills in the high schoolers. As of this year, about 100 children attended the camp, showcasing its positive impact on youth education.

Vasquez emphasizes the importance of continued support. With further funding, they can expand their programs, ensuring children have access to healthy food and outdoor education. As the organization moves forward, they plan to reapply for grants to sustain and grow these initiatives.

Efforts like those at the Lost Sierra Food Project reflect a larger movement towards healthier eating in communities. As more children experience the joy of farming and eating fresh, local produce, they are likely to carry these habits into the future, creating a more health-conscious generation.

For more details on the Lost Sierra Food Project and their activities, you can check out their official website [Lost Sierra Food Project](https://www.lostsierrafoodproject.org/).

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