Urban Roots uses food and farming to transform the lives of young people and inspire, engage, and nourish the community. Founded in 2007 as a program of YouthLaunch, Urban Roots has transitioned to become an independent non-profit agency in the fall of 2011.

Urban Roots provides paid internships to Austin youth, age 14-17, to work on our 3.5 acre urban sustainable farm in East Austin.  Each year, we have a goal of growing 30,000 pounds of produce with the Urban Roots community of youth, community volunteers, and staff.  We donate 40% of our harvest to local soup kitchens and food pantries and sell the other 60% at farmers’ markets, through our Community Supported Agriculture Program, and wholesale.

During the 25 week spring and summer youth program, youth Interns develop essential life and job skills while growing food for the Austin community.  Each fall we hire 24 youth Farm Interns, three youth Assistant Crew Leaders, and three youth Agriculture Interns to work with us for the upcoming program year.  Additionally, youth Interns receive variety of workshops on sustainable agriculture, healthy lifestyles, life and job skills, and food justice issues, including hands-on service at hunger relief organizations.  Through our dynamic and holistic program, Urban Roots youth Interns grow into some of Austin’s youngest leaders, advocating for a sustainable and healthy food system for all.

The Urban Roots Farm is not open to the public except for volunteer days and other scheduled events. For more information about our program, contact us at info@urbanrootsatx.org

The Guiding Principles of Urban Roots:

1. We provide a High Quality, Transformational Experience for youth and community members.

2. We celebrate “Rigor” and Meaningful, Hard Work.

3. We build Strong Relationships.

4. We cultivate Intentionality in our work.

5. We engage our work with a Spirit of Celebration and Joy.

6. We Honor and Respect Diversity.

Click here for driving directions to the Urban Roots Farm.

Volunteer

Weekly Volunteer Mornings
Volunteers are welcome most Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:30-11:30.  No RSVP required for individuals and groups smaller than five; groups larger than five must email volunteer@urbanrootsatx.org.  Check here for an updated calendar of opportunities.

Community Volunteer Saturdays
On select Saturdays, Youth Farm Interns lead volunteers through the tasks for the day and talk about their experience in our program.  Space is limited, so an RSVP is required to attend.  Check here for an updated calendar of opportunities.

Corporate Team Building Days
Share a day on the farm with your co-workers! Urban Roots offers Corporate Team Building days that bring groups of co-workers together on our urban farm to serve their community and increase group cohesion in the process. During Corporate Team Building Days, Urban Roots staff will lead your group in team-building activities, educational games, a farm tour, and agricultural work.  For information on Corporate Volunteer Days, click here.

Donate

Urban Roots relies on contributions from the community to continue providing empowering work and service opportunities for youth and the Austin community on our urban sustainable farm, as well as to continue donating 40% of our harvest to local hunger relief agencies and those in need.  Your support makes this work possible. Thank you!

Urban Roots is a 501c3 non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Click Here to Donate with a Credit Card Using our Secure Online Form.

Urban Roots also welcomes direct donations by mail. Please mail your check to:

Urban Roots

4900 Gonzales Street

Austin, TX 78702