Program
Urban Farm
Using permaculture and chemical-free methods, we grow and harvest hundreds of pounds of fresh produce every week. These fruits and vegetables are used in our kitchen and added to food boxes for families.
The Society of Growing Food and Harvesting Wellness
The Urban Farm Program began in 2012 at St. Vincent de Paul with the installation of our first urban farm at the Human Services Campus in downtown Phoenix. Since then, the program has grown to encompass three urban farms throughout the Valley. Each farm is tied to one of our five dining rooms in Maricopa County. The farms support our dining rooms and central kitchen that feed thousands of food-insecure, low-income, and homeless populations each day with fresh produce.
The farms provide volunteer opportunities and access to educational enrichment for the community. Each farm also incorporates spaces where the community can relax, reflect, and take in the healing energy of the environment. Whether you are looking for a place to serve, learn or engage through internships our Urban Farms are the place for you.
The Urban Farm’s Impact
Services and Resources
The St. Vincent de Paul Urban Farms not only provide an active volunteer experience, but rich educational programming for community members as well. We offer various programs and guides to showcase the importance of growing food for sustainability and empowering community members to discover and participate in local food systems.
Programs for Guests
- Free painting classes
- Chakra balancing meditation
- Yoga
- Meditation and wellness class
- Chair yoga for elderly guests
Classes for All
- Permaculture practices
- The Master Gardener
- Garden in a Box
- Seed starter classes
- Basic Beekeeping
- Gardner Classes
Classes for Kids
- The Junior Gardener
- Chicken care for children
- Dream Center Garden Club
- The Full Guide: A Guide to Social Impact Through Urban Farming
- Learn more about the social impact of urban farming, how to get started creating an urban farm, and the key factors in growing a community and sustaining an urban farm.
- The Full Guide: SVdP Urban Farms Best Practices Manual
- A general reference guide for urban farmers in the greater Phoenix area. Includes daily operations, which plants to grow, soil science, fertilizer, compost, irrigation, ecological farming practices and much more.
Locations
Learn more about our urban farm locations around the Valley:
Volunteer Opportunities
At SVdP, 95% of our workforce are volunteers-like YOU. We believe that we can accomplish more when we all do it together. Thank you for sharing your skills, time, and heart with us. Thank you for being part of the family.
