Join the Community
Cultivating Communities, Growing Change: UFI's diverse programming empowers individuals, promotes sustainability, and builds food security.
The Farmer Training Program is a hands-on initiative designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful urban farmers.
We provide aspiring farmers and growers with a structured curriculum that covers various aspects of urban agriculture, including sustainable farming practices, soil health, crop planning, pest management, and marketing strategies.
Participants in the program have the opportunity to engage in practical training at UFI's farm in Mattapan, where they learn essential techniques like seed starting, transplanting, and harvesting.
Through a combination of classroom instruction, fieldwork, and mentorship, the Farmer Training Program empowers individuals to launch their own urban farming ventures, contribute to local food production, and foster a resilient and sustainable community.
Farmer Training Program
Fit around the Farm is an innovative program that combines physical fitness and community engagement in the context of urban farming.
FATF is a dynamic 10-week program catering to Boston women aged 65 and above with a focus on women of color.
Join us for four seasonal sessions throughout the year, where fitness instruction is thoughtfully tailored to accommodate participants of all levels.
Explore the mechanics of your body and target muscle groups through invigorating chair yoga classes. Because maintaining nutrition is critical for maintaining healthy bodies at any age, our program includes chef demonstrations that introduce seniors to the art of healthy cooking alongside the importance of overall stretching and movement.
Fit Around the Farm
Men’s Gathering
Boston male seniors ages 65 years plus with a focus on men of color - let's keep the momentum going! This health and lifestyle program is just for you funded by Boston Age Strong. The program is free, featuring fitness, speakers, healthy eating, and more. We want to help you become your best self.
Come join other men from Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan for a dynamic program of tailored fitness and wellness, featuring tai chi, functional fitness, conversation, and an opportunity to connect with one another.
Raised Beds
Growing your own food is more important than ever. Our goal is to help alleviate hunger and promote self-reliance while supporting black, indigenous, and people of color to thrive beyond COVID-19. Not only does local food grown right out of your own backyard help the environment, but it is fresher, tastier, healthier and more nutritious. Gardening is a great way to get your work out on, and absorb vitamin D, known as the sunshine vitamin. Vitamin D is crucial to maintain healthy bones and teeth, and it can also protect against certain diseases.
We provide raised beds for individuals and families to increase the amount of healthy, fresh produce, and food medicine that can be grown in the community. You provide the seeds/seedlings, and the Urban Farming Institute will provide the materials and guidance you need to start growing your own food. Priority is given to persons who live in the Mattapan, Dorchester, Roxbury area.
Please email us at info@urbanfarminginstitute.org for more information.
Youth Education
UFI Offers season-lead educational experiences to our local schools and surrounding youth-based organizations, we want to build relationships and engage young people toward healthier options and resources within our area and we aim to inspire the future generation of urban growers in our community.
Contact us if you would like to learn more about having your class visit the farm for a field trip, tour Or hosting a farmer during the winter at your school for a workshop or talk.