Alex Rios is about to clear a patch of land for onion planting, just one of the many vegetables grown here at the Kingston YMCA Farm Project.

“The most enjoyable part of this experience is socializing with a bunch of people while helping the community out by growing fresh food,” said Rios, a youth crew member.

The program grows fruits and vegetables that are sold to the community at low prices. Kasey Wimbish, the program director, said the program not only does that, but it trains young people to be self-sufficient.

“They’re learning about how to grow their own food, the food system, the inequity in the food system, the racism that is inherent in the food system and they’re learning how they can be a part of creating changes,” she said.

That's something 17-year-old Aleshanee Emanuel said is even more important now. With her friends, they grew 5,700 pounds of fruits and vegetables last year, all because the need is so great in the community.

“The cheapest foods that are available to low-income families are junk food. It just feels like they set you off on a bad foot for life,” she said.

The project also builds gardens for families who want to grow their own foods. Organizers say communities of color and other marginalized people are given preference.

“It was something that is already connected to something we already do, which is growing food and really working toward more equitable food systems in our immediate community, and no greater way to do that than to give people the opportunity to grow their own food,” said Wimbish.

While one team at the project continues planting, another team is out in the community ensuring those who have gardens, are properly set up for success.

Alonzo Jordan welcomed his friends into his mother’s backyard so she, like other members of the community, can grow what she eats.

“It can make them healthier; it will help them save money. Everything is very interconnected, so helping one is helping the other,” he said.