Youthmarket’s training program prepares young people to plan and operate a farm-stand business while educating them about their health, their community, nutrition, the environment, and regional agriculture. Youthmarket training emphasizes the importance of fruits and vegetables to a healthy lifestyle and encourages participants to bring the message of good diet to their friends and customers. The training program also educates youth to think critically about the food in their bodegas and supermarkets and the alternative benefits of eating locally produced fruits and vegetables. On the operational side, Youthmarket business training focuses on promotion, merchandising, and customer service and includes a tour of the Union Square Greenmarket.

Last year, more than 35 enthusiastic young people found employment at Youthmarket farm stands, earning $10/hr. for as many as 16 weeks. This year we hope to employ more than 50 youth to serve their community, learn job skills firsthand, and gain knowledge about nutritional health and food systems.