SustainEd Farms
Growing Food. Growing Knowledge. Growing Justice.
WHO WE ARE
SustainEd Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization built on sustainable farming practices, equal access to knowledge and resources, rigorous experiential instruction, and community engagement. With these principles in mind, SustainEd Farms creates and manages farms and gardens on school campuses, teaching students about nutrition and sustainability through hands-on learning experiences. All produce grown with students on our farms goes back to the community to create a more food-just Denver.
ABOUT US
WHAT WE DO
Farms and Gardens
We believe farms and gardens are a tool for learning and belong on school campuses. Endless opportunities for sustainability, nutrition, and other lessons come with having this student-centered space. SustainEd Farms partners with schools to ensure that their gardens are thriving learning spaces during the school year and all summer long. In doing this, we can provide equitable access to knowledge and fresh foods to students and their communities.
Experiential Learning
We believe the best way to learn about sustainability and nutrition is by getting your hands a little dirty. SustainEd Farms builds curriculum and programming that is centered around hands-on experiences in the garden and farm, which empowers students to become sustainability leaders for their community.
Community Engagement
We believe real change begins with our communities and that means ensuring they have affordable access to fresh, healthy food. We distribute our produce through student-run farm stands at school sites, our Farm Share Program, and through consistent donations to local food pantries.
FOCUS AREAS
Food Deserts and Food Insecurity
Urban food deserts are communities where a majority of the population has limited access to grocery stores and other traditional food sources. These communities are disproportionately low-income and minority populations. We focus on schools in and near food deserts because they are the populations most affected by food insecurity.
Sustainability and Nutrition Education
Food insecurity is enabled by inequitable access to sustainability and nutrition education. By increasing access to knowledge, we support students making healthy and sustainable choices. Through authentic hands-on learning in the garden and farm, students take ownership over their learning and apply the lessons to their own lives.
Read Our Annual Report
SustainEd Farms grew significantly throughout 2021, more than doubling our number of partners, services, and produce grown for the second year in a row. Learn more about the impact our gardens and programming had on the local community.