At-Risk Youth Harvest Crops With Chipotle and Mayor Dyer

The Garden is an after-school program for inner city and at-risk youth where students grow their own container gardens of edible plants, learn about the science of agriculture and related career options and become familiar with healthy food options while experiencing team building through gardening and nature exploration. To date, more than 75% of the 142 youth participants have developed a science-related career goal since joining the program.

Mayor Dyer will join with Orlando youth, volunteers and ORLANDO CARES partner Chipotle Restaurants to celebrate the harvest of The Garden, a Cities of Service initiative Monday, August 13, 2012, 2:30pm at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center (6123 LaCosta Drive, Orlando, Florida)

At the celebration, Mayor Dyer will help Orlando youth harvest herbs and vegetables they have grown while in the 10-week summer session of the program. After the harvest, the healthy foods will be used to prepare fresh salad, salsa and tacos for program participants and attendees to enjoy.

ORLANDO CARES is the City’s high-impact volunteer plan designed to address the issues of youth crime prevention and education through six service initiatives; Mayor Buddy’s Book Club, COMPACT Expansion, The Garden, Preschool Ambassadors, School Turnaround Project – Interfaith School Turnaround Pilot and Path Finders. *A full description and more information on each ORLANDO CARES program is attached.*

Since its launch in March 2011, the ORLANDO CARES initiative has trained more than 1,000 community volunteers for programs that help youth improve their academic success with a focus on literacy and reducing youth crime.