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This episode dives deep into the mission of Nutrition Inside, focusing on enhancing nutrition for incarcerated individuals. We explore the systemic barriers in prison food systems and the transformative power of fresh produce.

• Introduction to the Radical Root podcast and Nutrition Inside mission 
• Insights from Aiden O'Connor about challenges and solutions in prison nutrition 
• Value of connecting local farms with correctional facilities to promote food justice 
• The role of community volunteers in supporting nutritional initiatives

If you're interested in getting involved with Nutrition Inside, visit nutritioninside.org to find out how you can help make a difference. 

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What if you could revolutionize your gardening approach without a traditional garden space? Join us on the Radical Root podcast as we explore this intriguing concept with Isabel Cruz and Antonio Rodriguez from the Home Gardens program. Isabel shares her compelling journey, revealing how her initial desire to support her family financially turned into a passion for community engagement through gardening. Antonio, drawing from his farming roots in Mexico, discusses his expanded knowledge and enthusiasm for growing a diverse array of plants. Together, they illustrate how their personal stories are woven into a larger tapestry of community-driven gardening initiatives, including the innovative decentralized community seed libraries in Portland.

This episode uncovers the holistic benefits that community gardening brings, enhancing wellness, promoting healthy eating, and strengthening bonds with both nature and neighbors. Antonio speaks to the pride and communal spirit that comes from cultivating one's own vegetables, while Isabel elaborates on her experience transitioning from a participant to a key player in community seed libraries. By sharing garlic seeds and stories, they foster a thriving network of local growers. We also look ahead to future plans for these seed libraries, with an emphasis on organization and encouraging family participation, highlighting the joy and sustainability found in shared resources. Celebrate the power of collaboration and the innovative spirit that defines radical gardening with us!

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What if nurturing a garden could also nurture social change? Join me on the Radical Root podcast as we explore the profound influence of radical gardening, especially during the winter solstice—a time synonymous with new beginnings. Discover how gardening stretches far beyond cultivating food; it mirrors our societal systems, unearthing issues of equity and control within the food industry. With startling statistics that one in six US households grapples with food insecurity amid widespread food waste, we show how gardening becomes an act of independence and defiance against these disparities. Sharing personal stories and transformative experiences from Growing Gardens' initiatives like Home Gardens and Let Us Grow, we demonstrate how these programs empower individuals to reclaim their food systems and nurture their communities.

Inspired by Alice Walker's empowering message, we delve into the idea that many relinquish their power simply by believing they have none. By embracing the power within, we can transform not only our gardens but our lives. We invite you to plant a seed—whether literal or metaphorical—and join our journey towards building equitable food systems. Explore resources at growing-gardens.org, including our free Radical Gardening Resource Guide, which provides a step-by-step blueprint for a more sustainable future. Thank you for tuning into the Radical Root podcast. Remember, even the smallest actions can spark significant change. Keep nurturing those seeds and help us create a more equitable and sustainable world.

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Discover the transformative potential of school gardens with us as Amarina Guerrero, program director of the Youth Grow program at Growing Gardens, shares her inspiring journey with our listeners. From her early days in Oregon, where she developed a deep bond with nature, to her college years that unveiled her passion for school gardens, Amarina’s story is both a personal journey and a professional mission. She recounts a pivotal moment in a school garden that sparked her dedication to bringing these green spaces to all schools. Through innovative activities like wheelbarrow relays, Amarina has seen how school gardens cultivate not only plants but team spirit, problem-solving skills, and inclusive learning environments.

Witness the evolution of the Youth Grow program as it adapts to meet the diverse needs of students and educators. Amarina discusses the creation of a dynamic 72-lesson curriculum tailored for K-5 students, emphasizing life skills and cultural relevance. The pandemic era posed challenges that reshaped their approach, prompting a focus on social-emotional learning and the power of adaptability. Learn about engaging initiatives like classroom baby chicks, and discover the resources available for those eager to start their own programs, including the School Garden Coordinator Certificate Training. Together, we emphasize the essential role of community collaboration in transforming gardens into vibrant educational landscapes. Join us and be inspired to cultivate change, one garden at a time.

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Keone Young's remarkable journey from the Columbia River Correctional Institution to becoming the Black Outreach Coordinator at Growing Gardens showcases the transformative power of gardening in fostering community and social justice. Tune into this episode of the Radical Root podcast as Keone shares his inspiring transition, emphasizing how the Let Us Grow program offers meaningful educational opportunities that help reduce recidivism and open doors for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through our engaging conversation, Keone sheds light on how collaborative efforts and resource allocation can effectively engage black Americans and people of color in Oregon's agricultural initiatives.

We explore the critical role of connecting communities with agricultural opportunities, highlighting initiatives like Black Futures and Lettuce Grow. Keone discusses the vision of creating a "spider web" community hub that bridges the gap between black Americans and agricultural resources, despite the challenges of institutional barriers. Celebrate the progress made in nurturing interest and participation, and hear Keone's aspirations for expanding educational programs for those transitioning out of incarceration. By emphasizing perseverance, adaptability, and systemic advocacy, this episode encourages listeners to pursue their passion for agriculture and community building, overcoming obstacles with determination and collective effort.

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 Curious how a simple idea can spark community transformation? In this episode, our Lettuce Grow Program Director, Rima Green, reveals the magic behind our Community Garden Initiative—a program offering free 30-minute gardening consultations to help people grow more than just plants.  

What does it take to turn gardening advice into something bigger—like food sovereignty and lasting connections? Rima shares how this initiative began, how easy it is to start and maintain, and some unexpected perks—including the powerful relationships and surprising partnerships that have bloomed along the way.  

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or dreaming of launching your own community project, this episode offers insider tips on starting small, building collaborations, and keeping the process simple. Tune in to discover how gardening can empower people and grow leadership, all while cultivating something much deeper than a harvest. 🌱

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Host: Jason Skipton

Guests: Antonio Rodriguez and Isabel Cruz

Language: English/ Spanish 

Overview:

Join Executive Director Jason Skipton for a bilingual interview with our Home Gardens team members Antonio and Isabel who discuss our unique approach to seed sharing through our community seed libraries.

Episode Highlights:

- Learn about our Home Gardens program
- Hear how Antonio and Isabel brought their lived experience to the workplace
- Hear about the unique challenge we faced as an organization to meet the needs of our program participants and cultivate an abundance of culturally relevant produce in Portland neighborhoods 
-Hear how we came up with the idea for a decentralized seed library initiative
-Learn how you can start a similar initiative in your own neighborhood

Resources Mentioned:

- The Home Gardens Program

How to Connect:

- Contact Antonio at Antonio@Growing-Gardens.Org

- Email our Podcast Producer, Bee at Bee@Growing-Gardens.Org

About the Podcast:
The Radical Root is a podcast produced by the 501c3 nonprofit Growing Gardens. It tells the amazing stories of our team while providing valuable examples of Radical Gardening and grassroots food system advocacy in action. Follow along for inspiring ideas and actionable advice for your first - or next - community gardening project.

About Growing Gardens:
Growing Gardens is a Portland, Oregon-based 501c3 nonprofit on a mission to cultivate healthy and equitable communities one garden at a time. Our three programs, Home Gardens, Youth Grow, and Lettuce Grow, build and maintain gardens at homes, schools, and correctional facilities across the state of Oregon while inspiring the next generation of food system leaders.

Here’s How You Can Help

Like and Rate Our Podcast:
Leave a review or share your thoughts wherever you listen to podcasts. Better yet, email our producer at Bee@Growing-Gardens.Org to submit a listener testimonial!

Follow Growing Gardens:
Find us online at Growing-Gardens.Org or on social media @GrowingGardensPDX

Join Our Newsletter:
Join our newsletter The Radical Root, for a step-by-step masterclass in radical gardening delivered straight to your inbox.

Donate to Growing Gardens:

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Welcome to the Radical Root episode "Cultivating Freedom," exploring the transformative power of correctional facility gardens and reentry programs. I'm your host, Bee, and in this episode, we are joined by Kate Bildsten, Education Manager of our Lettuce Grow program. Kate shares her inspiring journey to Lettuce Grow and provides insight into our correctional facility garden program. Kate discusses the unique challenges of working in this field, highlighting the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for incarcerated individuals to connect with nature and learn valuable skills. She also shares her initiative to create a resource guide to help program participants find employment and reintegrate into society upon release. Join us as we delve into the incredible impact of correctional facility gardens on rehabilitation and reentry, and discover how these programs are cultivating freedom for individuals both behind bars and beyond.

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Overview:

Get ready for an inspiring episode as we dive into our commitment to culturally relevant curriculum in the classroom! We're joined by Kimberly Deras, our passionate new Youth Grow Operations Manager, to discuss how we're centering students of color and celebrating their rich cultural heritage through hands-on content that respects and uplifts Latinx culture.

Host: Bee Thornbrooke - Development Manager at Growing Gardens
Guest: Kimberly Deras - Youth Grow Operations Manager - Growing Gardens 

Discussion Points:

1. Meet Kimberly, our new Youth Grow Operations Manager
     - Learn about her background and lived experience
2. Exploring our Youth Grow program
     - Discover what it entails and the impact it makes
3. Delving into our commitment to culturally relevant programming 
     - Discuss the importance of cultural identity in the classroom 
     - Hear about the challenges and triumphs of celebrating without appropriating 
     - Learn about the supportive community network that makes it all possible

Resources Mentioned:

     - Tahoma Peak Solutions - Check them out here
     - Anahuac - Learn more about their work here
     - Farm to School and School Garden Network - Explore their initiatives here

Additional Notes:

     - Stay up-to-date with The Radical Root by joining our newsletter! 
     - Support our mission by donating to Growing Gardens!

Connect with Us:

     - Visit our website at growing-gardens.org 
     - Follow us on social media @Growing-Gardens.Org

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Welcome to The Radical Root, where we explore the intersection of radical gardening, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. I'm your host for today, Jason Skipton, and in today's episode, we're thrilled to have Romanet Leiva, Partnership Coordinator at the Providence Milwaukie Garden of Giving, joining us. This episode is bilingual, so stay tuned for English and Spanish insights into our conversation. Today, we delve into the Home Gardens program, discussing why we started a learning garden in partnership with Providence and the impact of community health education. We explore the concept of gardening as a health intervention, especially in medical settings, and how hospitals are integrating gardening and fresh food into their treatment plans. We also touch on how this idea is gaining traction in the community and how the project has grown over time. Our partnership with the Providence teaching kitchen has been integral to our success, and we discuss creative ways we're encouraging public health at the Garden of Giving. Join us as we dig deep into the roots of health and community empowerment. *¡Bienvenidos a The Radical Root! En este episodio, exploramos el programa de Huertos Familiares, discutiendo por qué comenzamos un jardín de aprendizaje en asociación con Providence y el impacto de la educación comunitaria en la salud. Exploramos el concepto de la jardinería como una intervención en la salud, especialmente en entornos médicos, y cómo los hospitales están integrando la jardinería y los alimentos frescos en sus planes de tratamiento. También tocamos cómo esta idea está ganando aceptación en la comunidad y cómo el proyecto ha crecido con el tiempo.* *Nuestra asociación con la cocina de enseñanza de Providence ha sido fundamental para nuestro éxito, y discutimos formas creativas en las que estamos fomentando la salud pública en el Jardín de la Generosidad. Únete a nosotros mientras profundizamos en las raíces de la salud y el empoderamiento comunitario.*

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In today's episode, we have Jack and Jason shedding light on the transformative power of investing in small Black, Indigenous, and People of Color owned businesses.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. **The Power of Investing in Small Black, Indigenous, and People of Color owned Businesses:** Jack and Jason kick off the conversation by emphasizing the significant impact that investing in small Black, Indigenous, and People of Color-owned businesses can have on local communities. They delve into the unique strengths and challenges faced by these businesses and how investment can be a catalyst for positive change.

2. **Challenges Faced by Small Businesses:** Our guests share insights into why small businesses, especially those owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, often face struggles. Understanding these challenges is crucial for fostering an environment where these businesses can thrive.

3. **Importance of Supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Owned Businesses:** Jack and Jason highlight the broader importance of supporting black, indigenous, and people of color-owned businesses. From economic empowerment to the preservation of cultural identity, they discuss the multifaceted benefits of a diverse and vibrant business landscape.

4. **Showing Up for Small Businesses During Hard Times:** The conversation explores practical ways individuals and communities can show up for small businesses, especially during challenging times. From conscious consumer choices to community initiatives, discover how collective action can make a difference.

5. **Growing Gardens' Support for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Owned Businesses in Oregon:** Learn about the specific initiatives and actions Growing Gardens is taking to support black, indigenous, and people of color-owned businesses in Oregon. Jack and Jason share how these efforts align with our commitment to community-centric values and social justice.

**Support Growing Gardens:** 

Growing Gardens is a 501c3 organization, and your donations play a vital role in sustaining our mission. To learn more about our initiatives and contribute, visit growing-gardens.org. Your support directly contributes to fostering positive change in communities.

**Radical Gardening Resource Guide:** 

Take action towards a greener future by downloading our Radical Gardening Resource Guide. This comprehensive resource serves as your step-by-step path to implementing sustainable practices. Visit our website to access this valuable guide. Thank you for joining us in this important conversation with Jack and Jason. Together, let's empower small businesses, champion diversity, and build a more inclusive and resilient community.

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Today's episode features the dynamic insights of Angel Hammon and Antonio Rodriguez. They'll be guiding us through the rich history of our Home Gardens program, the integration of CSA boxes, and the crucial role these initiatives play in supporting small farmers and ensuring equitable food access.

**Key Discussion Points:**

1. **History of Home Gardens Program:** Angel Hammon and Antonio Rodriguez provide a captivating overview of the evolution of our Home Gardens program. Delve into its roots in grassroots community-centric values, paving the way for sustainable practices.

2. **Response to the Pandemic – CSA Boxes:** Explore how Growing Gardens responded to the challenges of the pandemic by introducing CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes. Our guests shed light on the positive outcomes for consumers and small farmers alike.

3. **Importance of CSA Boxes for Small Farmers:** Angel describes how CSA boxes significantly impact small-scale farmers, offering them consistent community support and creating a more stable and sustainable income.

4. **Affordability and Equitable Food Access:** Angel and Antonio elaborate on various programs that make CSA boxes more affordable. Discover how these efforts contribute to ensuring that everyone, regardless of economic status, has access to fresh, locally grown produce.

5. **Addressing Language Barriers and Increasing Accessibility:** The conversation touches on the importance of overcoming language barriers in community education. Angel and Antonio share how Growing Gardens actively works to make educational resources more accessible to diverse communities.

**Farms Mentioned:**
Our conversation today draws inspiration from the incredible efforts of farms committed to sustainable practices. We acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of: -

**Happiness Family Farms** -
**Wild Roots Farm** -
**Mora Mora Farm** -
**Farm DC** -
**Mariquitas Medicinals** -
**Maxi-Mister Farms** -
**Mud Bone Grown** -
**The Farm Bill**

These farms exemplify the spirit of community-centric agriculture, and their dedication aligns with the principles we champion at Growing Gardens.

**Support Growing Gardens:**

Growing Gardens, a 501c3 organization, relies on your support to sustain our mission. Learn more and contribute to our initiatives at growing-gardens.org. Your donations directly impact our ability to foster positive change in communities.

**Radical Gardening Resource Guide:** 

Take a step towards a greener future by downloading our Radical Gardening Resource Guide. This comprehensive resource serves as your step-by-step path to implementing sustainable practices. Visit our website to access this valuable guide. Thank you for joining us in this insightful conversation with Angel Hammon and Antonio Rodriguez. Together, let's cultivate a healthier and more equitable food system for all.

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Today we have a special guest with us – Rashae Burns, our dedicated Home Gardens program director, and newly certified Master Food Preserver from Oregon State. In this insightful episode, Rashae shares her expertise on the significance of cooking fresh food at home and the art of preserving the harvest. As an advocate for sustainable living and a master in preserving techniques, Rashae emphasizes the transformative power of these practices.

**Key Takeaways:**

1. **Reducing Food Waste:** Rashae passionately discusses how cooking and preserving our harvest can significantly contribute to reducing food waste. Through thoughtful preparation and preservation, we not only maximize the use of our garden produce but also minimize our ecological footprint.

2. **Economic Benefits:** Learn how embracing home cooking and preservation can save you money. Rashae highlights the cost-effectiveness of these practices, making fresh and healthy meals accessible to everyone.

3. **Preserving Cultural Identity:** Rashae connects the act of preserving food to the preservation of cultural identity. Through traditional preservation methods, we can pass down culinary heritage, ensuring that the flavors of our communities are not lost over time.

4. **Healthier Diets:** Discover the health benefits of incorporating fresh, home-cooked meals into your daily routine. Rashae provides insights into how these practices contribute to a healthier and more nourishing diet.

**Support Growing Gardens:**
Growing Gardens is a 501c3 organization, and we depend on your support to continue our mission of cultivating a healthy and more equitable food system in Oregon. Your donations play a crucial role in sustaining our programs and initiatives. To learn more about our work and contribute, visit growing-gardens.org.

**Radical Gardening Resource Guide:** 
Take the next step towards a greener future by downloading our Radical Gardening Resource Guide. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step action path for individuals and communities to create positive change through radical gardening practices. Visit our website to access this valuable resource. Thank you for joining us in this inspiring conversation with Rashae Burns. Together, let's empower communities, promote sustainable living, and cultivate a healthier, more equitable food system for all.

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