GRuB in Olympia WA, is a nonprofit organization that is designed in a way that is sheer genius, with multiple benefits rippling out over our community. GRuB stands for Garden Raised Urban Bounty. I love their slogan: "Nourishing strong communities by empowering people & growing good food." And that they do!
GRuBhas a farm on the westside of Olympia where their motto comes to life. GRuB partners with local schools and youth organizations to give teenagers a chance to build their self-confidence and contribute to the community while they learn to grow good food. The farm itself produces enough food that the teenage participants can take some home to their own families, some is donated to our local Food Bank, and supporters of GRuB can also sign up to purchase regular baskets of produce.
The teenagers learn more than just how to grow good food. They also learn how to build raised garden beds for low income families who then, in turn, can grow fresh, nutritious food for themselves. This is called the Kitchen Garden Project and the families not only get the raised beds, but help in starting their very own gardens growing.
For those wanting to get involved with GRuB, there are opportunities to volunteer to help out at the farm, you can donate money, you can purchase a CSA, you can volunteer your time helping the organization in so many ways. Last night we attended their annual fundraising "soiree" - & had a blast! Lots of good food, both silent and live auctions with some outstanding donated items to tempt the bidders, and we got to hear from a couple of the GRuB teenagers who were absolutely inspiring.
What an amazing organization GRuB is! If you want more info on Olympia'S GRuB or about how you could replicate it where you are, just contact me!
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