San Francisco, CA. Even though Urban Sprouts heavily relies on in-person gatherings, this non-profit is still finding ways to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit operates five community gardens in the San Francisco area with a focus on garden-based education, job readiness, cooking, and nutrition.

In response to how Urban Sprouts is fairing during the pandemic, Director of Operations, Marissa Alexander, states “We have had to make major modifications, but we find ourselves to be a vital resource and space.”

Urban Sprouts is planning to grow more food this season, with a goal of 400 pounds of produce. Marissa explains the reason behind this influx in produce: “When Shelter in Place started in March, we immediately recognized the need to get fresh produce into the hands of our communities who may have lost jobs or income, have more people home to cook for, or who may be unable or unsafe to go to a grocery store.” 

Sprouting Leaders member displays harvested produce.

As food producers, Urban Sprouts was able to continue working and growing in their gardens. This was done with strict health and safety protocols in place which abided with the City orders and health directives. While complying with these protocols, Marissa notes that “Thanks to our proactive staff, early on, we were able to connect with other community organizations and gardens to partner on food distribution to those in need in SF.” 

Urban Sprouts has also been able to modify and continue certain programs. Marissa references how “In March, we were running Sprout Out! which is our sort of flagship after-school job-training program for San Francisco high-school students, which is very hands-on. When Shelter in Place started, we followed the lead of SFUSD and started distance learning and the participants were all able to complete the program.” 

Here’s a video about the program:

The Cooking & Nutrition program was also altered due to shelter in place, allowing for positive developments. “The shelter in place has really pushed us to develop more virtual tools that can hopefully improve our work even after shelter in place is lifted. Our cooking & nutrition program manager, Violeta Sandoval started to make amazing cooking videos to share with our online community because she missed her cooking classes! Her son, Alejandro even joined in to make kid-friendly, Spanish language recipe videos.”

Sprouting Leaders program members attend a Farmer’s Market to sell produce.

Urban Sprouts Sprouting Leaders program was also able to continue in a modified, socially distanced manner with permission from the City and funders. This allowed the organization to bring on 12 young adult cohorts in a six-week paid summer internship program. 

Marissa and the rest of the team at Urban Sprouts are also investing in the infrastructure of their sites. They are planning to make additions such as more hand washing stations, solar-powered hot water, additional shade structures, wind barriers, and solar lighting. Marissa believes this is preparing Urban Sprouts “to be even more of an outdoor asset, especially as schools explore outdoor learning.”

Currently, due to shelter in place, Urban Sprouts is unable to host events, fundraisers, and classes which would typically help them earn income. Marissa comments that “Now more than ever, individual donors are so, so important to non-profits like us. These donations help us keep going and make sure we are able to respond to the ever-changing circumstances under which we operate.”

Sprouting Leaders member cooks in Urban Sprouts outdoor, off the grid, solar-powered kitchen.

The organization could also use volunteers to work on digital projects around data management, marketing, and graphic design. In regards to how readers can help, Marissa states: “If anyone lives in San Francisco and wants to help with garden maintenance, we do need help with basic garden care! It is not the most exciting work, but it feels good to be outside and getting your hands dirty.”

From Urban Sprouts:

“We build supportive learning communities in English, Spanish, and Cantonese, for people of all ages, genders, and races. We work with communities who have been systematically denied access to resources to remove barriers and create pathways to health and economic equity through garden-based education and experiences” 

1