Stone Belt Combines Job Training with Urban Farming

INARF member Stone Belt Arc, Inc. and the South Central Community Action Program teamed up to create Growing Opportunities, a project that combines job training with urban farming. A second session started on September 21 and will continue for 20 weeks. Clients in the programs learn job skills while working mornings in a greenhouse and are responsible for planting, transplanting, harvesting and packaging. Nicole Wooten, who manages the project, said “The most interesting thing we saw was how much confidence the folks had by the end of the program, that was the coolest thing for me.” ​

Product from the greenhouse go to buyer like Yogi’s Bar and Grill, Lucky’s Market, Upland Brewery, Feast and Sahara Mart. Revenue generated from those sales go back into the program. “We want to be able to expand the program and offer it to more people, and have more opportunities for folks,” said Nicole Wooten, who manages the project. “We want it to be accessible to people.” The program is currently looks to open a second greenhouse, but is still searching for a site.