My team
Why I'm Running for Urban Roots
I'm thrilled to announce that on October 6th, I'll be embarking on my inaugural journey at the Twin Cities Marathon. While this will mark my debut at this prestigious event, I come with the experience of having conquered one marathon already - the Philadelphia Marathon, which I proudly completed last year.
As I gear up for this new challenge, I'm driven by a desire to make every mile count. This year, I'm not just running for personal achievement; I'm running with a purpose - to support a cause that resonates deeply with me, one that aligns with my values and aspirations. And I've found it in the mission of empowering youth through community engagement.
My passion for running has flourished over the years, nurtured by the incredible running community that surrounds me. Their unwavering support and encouragement have fueled my journey, both on and off the track. Through shared miles, camaraderie, and uplifting social events, this community has not only shaped me as a runner but also as a person. Now, it's my turn to give back and pay it forward.
I want my efforts on the race course to not only motivate young people, but to also encourage them to get involved in improving their communities. With each step I take, I'll be running not only for myself but also for the countless young minds who deserve opportunities to thrive and succeed.
With your support, together we'll turn miles into meaningful moments and make a difference in the lives of future generations.
Description
Urban Roots is a Saint Paul organization that cultivates and empowers youth through nature, healthy food, and community.
We provide paid internships to youth on the East Side of Saint Paul. Youth interns develop leadership, entrepreneurial, and life skills through our Market Garden, Conservation, and Cook Fresh Programs. Each year, up to 90 youth interns, ages 14-24, participate in our progressive, tiered programming, connecting to one another and the world around them.
Programs
Conservation
Conservation interns install and maintain local rain and pollinator gardens, restore public lands, and engage in citizen science projects. Last year, Conservation worked in 11 parks, collected 98 species of native seeds, planted 3,231 plants, and harvested 70 pounds of honey from the Urban Roots beehives.
Youth Interns Identifying Macroinvertebrates at Trout Brook Nature SanctuaryCook Fresh
Cook Fresh interns learn valuable skills in food preparation, safety, and planning. Interns also explore nutrition, food careers (hospitality, food policy, food media, entrepreneurship, etc.), and the cultural importance of food. Last year, Cook Fresh served 1,000 meals.
Youth Intern Serving Food from the Mobile KitchenMarket Garden
Market Garden interns participate in small-scale crop production at our urban gardens. The produce that's grown goes to the Cook Fresh program to be made into shared meals for interns across all three programs. Produce also goes to farmers markets and is distributed to community hunger relief efforts. Last year, Market Garden donated 2,300 pounds of produce.
Youth Interns Selling Urban Roots' Produce at Mill City Farmers MarketThe top two fundraisers on our team (excluding staff and their spouses) will receive prizes including Urban Roots swag, a voucher for our farmers market, a cookbook, and selected items generously donated by Lakewinds Food Co-op, Leitner's Garden Center, Mississippi Market Co-op, Mississippi Park Connection, Patagonia St. Paul, and Three Rivers Parks District.
Team Urban Roots would like to thank Trader Joe's St. Paul for donating refreshments for our Aug 27 group training run that was graciously served by the Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association. Thank you also to Sweet Science Ice Cream for donating ice cream for our runners to enjoy at the end of the race!
Learn more in this video by the USDA Risk Management Agency:
Urban Roots
1110 Payne Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55130
651-228-7073
info@UrbanRootsMN.org
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Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 25 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 19 | Anonymous | $25.00 |
