Story by Abby Warren

Located in Northeast Portland, the Janus Youth programs are one of the largest non-profits in the Northwest. They are a leader in creating "innovative, community-based services which enhance the quality of life for children, youth, and families.”

One service is the Village Gardens program, which hosts individual as well as family garden plots in various sites located throughout Portland, culminating in 85,000 square feet of urban agriculture.

Using organic gardening and farming techniques, Janus Youth is increasing access to healthy food while improving economic opportunities with programs including: "after-school and summer activities for children, homework clubs, a mobile market shuttle and a youth-run entrepreneurial business growing and marketing specialty salad mixes at local farmers markets.”

For more information on this outstanding program please visit Janus Youth Programs' website.