FoodCorps Partners with YouthBuild at Nokomis Elementary School Garden

Friday, November 29, 2013

On November 25 and 26, FoodCorps service member Keegan Niland collaborated with 15 young adults as well as Vaughn Pena and Mike Sherosick from YouthBuild of Pinoleville Pomo Nation. The team worked to construct 12 redwood garden beds at the Nokomis Elementary School Garden. The 18-inch raised and in-ground garden beds were built with the intention of simplifying maintenance, emboldening space, and improving productivity for educators and students at Nokomis.

FoodCorps is a nationwide team of leaders that connects kids to real food and helps them to grow up healthy.  Niland is one of 12 FoodCorps service members in California, and directly serves students at Nokomis under guidance from The Gardens Project of NCO. YouthBuild is a nationwide program providing 16-24 year-olds an opportunity to earn a GED or high school diploma while learning carpentry and building skills.

“I’m excited to see young people learning and taking advantage of this trade. These folks are impressive. This type of focused community service is an incredible leg up, and I feel super fortunate to participate,” said Niland. “I can’t wait for the students to seed and plant these beds.”