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What can a school garden teach us about community health and education? On this episode of the Nonprofit Podcast Network, I am thrilled to welcome Salvador Ramirez, the inspiring Executive Director of Yolo Farm to Fork. Salvador's journey from an agricultural family background tied to the Bracero Program, through an enriching Peace Corps service in Kazakhstan, to his current leadership role, is nothing short of remarkable. His dedication to improving education, nutrition, and leadership for underserved children in Yolo County shines through as he discusses the 12-year evolution of Yolo Farm to Fork and its mission to integrate garden-based learning into STEM education and combat childhood obesity.

The conversation dives into the operational heartbeat of Yolo Farm to Fork, covering the maintenance of school gardens and a community farm in cities like Clarksburg and Winters. Salvador emphasizes the invaluable contributions of UC Davis and Sac State interns, who bring a wealth of skills to the organization, from marketing to administrative tasks. He shares insights into the importance of school district support, and how the collective efforts of staff, interns, and volunteers are key to the program's success. Salvador also highlights the life-changing skills children gain through hands-on farming experiences, which go beyond the classroom and into their daily lives.

Finally, we explore the diverse funding landscape of Yolo Farm to Fork, likened to a pizza with slices representing grants, donations, foundations, and sponsorships. Salvador paints a vivid picture of what could be achieved with unlimited funding, such as creating a culinary makerspace for children to explore healthy cooking. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on how garden education fosters better dietary habits, reduces anxiety, and encourages healthier lifestyle choices among the youth, ultimately benefiting their families and the wider community. Don't miss this enlightening episode that connects the dots between education, health, and community through the power of garden-based learning and true collaboration.

You can learn more about the organization by visiting the website: https://www.yolofarmtofork.org/

Episode Highlight Timestamps
(00:03 - 00:26) Exciting History Introduction
(08:35 - 09:56) Building School Gardens Through Community Support
(13:55 - 15:17) STEM Lesson Inspires Student Activism
(17:35 - 19:27) Yolo Farm to Fork Geography
(21:37 - 23:00) Practical Skills Learned Through Farming
(24:32 - 26:00) Sustainable Community Partnerships With Volunteers
(26:41 - 28:59) Relationships and Sponsorships for Funding
(30:51 - 34:12) Culinary Makerspace for Food Education
(41:51 - 43:17) Empowering Youth Through Education and Gardening

Chapter Summaries
(00:00) Garden Education in Yolo County
Salvador Ramirez's journey to becoming Executive Director of Yolo Farm to Fork, promoting education, nutrition, and leadership through garden-based learning.

(17:11) School Garden Management in Yolo
Yolo Farm to Fork manages school gardens and a community farm with support from UC Davis and Sac State interns.

(26:00) Building Sustainable Funding for Garden Education
Funding structure for garden education, corporate sponsorships, volunteer value, and envisioning a culinary makerspace for children.

(41:40) Promoting Health Through Education and Gardens
Health education for youth can lead to community-wide change through hands-on learning and Yolo Farm to Fork's innovative approach.