Mission: Educate children & adults on growing healthy food by providing demonstrations & resources to empower them to participate in urban agriculture
Non-Profit Edible/Useful Plant Nursery & Education Center!
Join our movement and come be a part of a larger community! Our mission is to educate children & adults on growing healthy food by providing demonstrations & resources to empower them to participate in urban agriculture.
Nurturing Nature and Nourishing Hearts: Eat Your Yard Jax's Mission
In a bustling world where concrete jungles often replace the beauty of nature, one nonprofit organization is sowing the seeds of change and reconnection with the Earth. Eat Your Yard Jax, nestled in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, is more than just a farm; it's a haven where families, school groups, and individuals discover the joys of growing food, medicine, and nurturing both the land and themselves. What sets this remarkable initiative apart is its dedication to employing autistic and special needs individuals and how this practice intertwines with horticulture therapy.
Education Through Nature
One of the core missions of Eat Your Yard Jax is to educate people of all ages about the wonders of nature, particularly the art of cultivating food and medicine. The farm offers interactive tours for families and school groups, providing hands-on experiences in planting, harvesting, and understanding the life cycles of various plants. These educational programs foster an appreciation for the environment and teach essential life skills that can be applied in any setting.
The Essence of Eat Your Yard Jax
Eat Your Yard Jax, founded on the principles of sustainable agriculture and community engagement, seeks to bridge the gap between modern society and our natural roots. With an emphasis on organic farming, permaculture, and horticulture therapy, this nonprofit farm is making waves by connecting people to the land in ways that nourish not only the body but also the soul.
Embracing Diversity through Employment
A unique aspect of Eat Your Yard Jax is its commitment to inclusivity. The farm actively employs autistic and special needs individuals, recognizing the value they bring to the organization and the broader community. By doing so, Eat Your Yard Jax not only promotes diversity but also advocates for the inclusion and equal opportunities these individuals deserve.
Horticulture Therapy: Healing Through Horticulture
Horticulture therapy is a powerful practice that utilizes gardening and plant-based activities to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At Eat Your Yard Jax, this therapeutic approach is at the heart of their mission. Autistic and special needs individuals working on the farm not only contribute to its daily operations but also experience the therapeutic benefits of horticulture therapy.
Engaging with the soil, nurturing plants, and witnessing the fruits of their labor can have a profound impact on individuals with special needs. It enhances their self-esteem, improves social skills, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. As they connect with nature, these individuals also form strong bonds with their coworkers and the wider community.
The Ripple Effect of Inclusivity
Eat Your Yard Jax's commitment to inclusivity and horticulture therapy doesn't just benefit the individuals they employ. It has a ripple effect on the entire community. By showcasing the abilities and contributions of autistic and special needs individuals, the farm challenges stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Moreover, as families and school groups visit the farm, they witness firsthand the power of diversity and the transformative effects of horticulture therapy. They leave with a deeper understanding of the importance of embracing differences and reconnecting with the natural world.
In conclusion, Eat Your Yard Jax is more than just a farm; it's a sanctuary of learning, healing, and inclusivity. Through our educational programs, commitment to employing autistic and special needs individuals, and dedication to horticulture therapy, this nonprofit organization is sowing the seeds of positive change in Jacksonville and beyond. In an era where disconnection from nature and each other is all too common, Eat Your Yard Jax stands as a shining example of how we can nourish the land and our souls while fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Growing up in North Florida I’ve witnessed a lot of growth. My family has lived in North Florida ever since the Florida was a state. They operated a trading post/ post office and steam boat stop on the Apalachicola River for almost 100 years. To them growing your own food was just what you had to do. My dad moved to Jacksonville and he and his brothers built the house we lived in. I grew up on the west side of Jacksonville and as a young man worked in several nurseries in the area.
I always had a passion for plants and the outdoors. When I first got back in the nursery business about 2007 it was with the intention of having a small side business and maybe a little income stream. Then I met folks at the Beaches Green Market and the edible component of my business expanded. I enjoyed sharing the market experience with my kids and hearing stories about people’s gardens and their successes (as well as failures!) in urban agriculture. Volunteering at the North Florida School of Special Education’s gardens led me to study at Growing Power in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with Will Allen. The training I received there helped Berry Good Farms to grow out of NFSSE’s small garden into the microbusiness training model it is today.
-Tim Armstrong
The sharing continues. This sharing experience has provided great satisfaction and I have tried to expand upon this with my business. Planting the seeds of knowledge in the next generation is very satisfying work. We as a nation have strayed far from our connection to the Earth in our ‘fast food have it now’ culture. I have tried to help reconnect individuals to nature with plants, gardens and advice. For the price of a fast food meal you could plant a berry bush or fruit tree that could provide seasonal snacks for a decade or more! One of our goals moving forward is to help the next generation realize the importance of local, sustainably grown food. We hope to do this with more school gardens, garden education programs, edible school yards, and more.
You can make a difference in your area! By donating to our education fund you can help us open more school gardens and education programs. Or consider volunteering at Berry Good Farms, of North Florida School of Special Education that provides vocational training in the agricultural industry for individuals with special needs. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue to grow! 100% of donations to Eat Your Yard Jax goes to plants and services for schools.
