Living Food Towers Spark Youth Recovery from Community Violence

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Urban G.E.M.S. (Gardening Entrepreneurs Motivating Sustainability) is a USDA-funded multi-faceted positive youth development initiative designed to reduce risk behaviors (especially educational disengagement) by engaging youth in project-based learning with Aeroponic gardening at two community sites that serve youth and families placed at high risk. The link between food insecurity and school failure at a neighborhood level is well documented. Addressing both the educational and nutritional (basic needs) of young people growing up in economically challenged environments requires new thinking. Students will build competencies in youth leadership, teamwork, project development, project management, microbusiness operations, professionalism, event planning, and Internet and social media marketing. Pre- and post-test data will access changes in student engagement, nutrition and health-related knowledge, self-efficacy, sense of belonging, and health behaviors among participants. Urban GEMS aims to increase the youth's attendance, engagement in school, and their fresh fruit and vegetable consumption by 50 percent during the program. The Urban GEMS team will create a sustainable model that engages youth as leaders in developing and applying 21st-century skills to address local community needs as they work side-by-side with caring adults inspired by their passion for young people.

Authors

• Deanna Wilkinson, Ohio State University

• Katarina Kucinic, The Ohio State University

• Meagan Johns, Ohio State University

• Kaylin Overdorf, The Ohio State University

• Emily Roe, The Academy for Urban Scholars High School

• Tiffany Groce, Reaching Higher Heights 4-Life Community Care Center