Our Mission:

Rochester Roots, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization committed to the creation of urban school and community garden-based educational programs for youth and adults. These programs focus on growing, preparing and enjoying high quality, safe, affordable healthy food.

We have a long and proud history of education, advocacy and empowerment, which we continue in our current focus on youth. This focus evolved from our earlier work in Rochester City schools and community gardening with families. Our involvement with local farmers led to the establishment and growth of the now independent Genesee Valley Organic Community Supported Agriculture farm project (the GVOCSA), based at Peacework Organic Farm in Newark. It is now one of our community partners.

Our History:

Rochester Roots, Inc. began in 1975 as the Politics of Food Program, the food and hunger task force of the Rochester Peace and Justice Education Center. In 1991 we became an independent, not-for-profit with a focus on sustainable food systems. In 2005, we formally changed our name to better reflect our urban roots, our urban agriculture program, and our focus on youth.

Defining What We Do:

COMMUNITY FOOD SECURITY: We advocate for a community that is food secure by improving access to locally grown, seasonal produce that is safe, nutritious and culturally acceptable, and by empowering all people to actively participate in the decision-making process of their food system.

URBAN AGRICULTURE: We encourage people to grow their own food, participate in the development of neighborhood vegetable gardens, and build community involvement in urban areas by practicing sustainable agriculture.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: Rochester Roots promotes environmental stewardship of the earth�s natural resources. We provide educational programs that teach the gentle use of resources so that they are not depleted or permanently damaged, and link consumers with local farmers who share in this vision.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: We partner with a diverse community of individuals and organizations. Our city schoolyard gardens provide a setting for students to come together to grow food and share in the harvest. Growing food together can be the first step toward a more involved and cohesive community.