“The Dig Kids” an Urban Farming Program Host BBQ in Midtown Kingston on Thursday, July 28th.

The Dig Kids, an Urban Farming Program created by the Kingston Land Trust, host a BBQ in Midtown to celebrate their garden successes in 2011 on Thursday, July 28th.Citizens are invited to meet at the Everett Hodge Center at 5:00pm for a garden walk to the South Pine Street City Farm where they will enjoy Fleisher’s grass fed and organic meatshamburgers and hot dogs and a performance by the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale.

Kingston – The Dig Kids, an Urban Farming Program created by the Kingston Land Trust with a grant from the Columbia Foundation and donation by Family of Woodstock invites Kingston Citizens to celebrate their success.

Since May, five Kingston youth between the ages of 15 – 19 have been paid to work weekly and grow vegetables under the stewardship of Farmer Jesica Clark, a first generation organic farmer. Through the Dig Kids program, the teenagers have transformed the front of the community center while learning valuable farming skills that include garden visioning, soil construction, companion planting, harvesting and preparing or donating their vegetables.

Kingston citizens are invited to meet the Dig Kids at the Everett Hodge Center 15-21 Franklin Street on Thursday, July 28th at 5:00pm for a balloon garden walk to the South Pine Street City Farm on South Pine Street for Fleisher’s grass-fed and organic meats hamburgers and hot dogs.  The Hudson Valley Youth Chorale led by Executive Artistic Director Mathew Camara will perform.

Donations for ‘The Dig Kids’ program for 2012 are currently being accepted. Please contact Rebecca Martin, Executive Director of the Kingston Land Trust at 845/877-5263or email rebecca@kingstonlandtrust.org for more information on the event, or how you might be a future donor or sponsors.

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About “The Dig Kids: An Urban Farming Program” for Youth Created by the Kingston Land Trust with a grant from  the Columbia Foundation and a donation by Family of Woodstock, ‘The Dig Kids” is charged in working with Kingston youth to grow food, learn farming practices, encourage entrepreneurship, beautification, pride and good health through hands on farming experiences.

About the South Pine Street City Farm The South Pine Street City Farm is an urban farm located in the Hudson Valley’s Kingston, NY.  On a 1/4 acre lot, we grow produce destined for our city’s various tables.  We strive to provide  absolutely delicious vegetables and fruits grown minutes from their destination using responsible and regenerative growing practices.  As part of The Queens Galley, all proceeds help fund the organization’s mission to provide awareness, education, relief and prevention of food insecurity in America.  With our Partners The Kingston Land Trust and Binnewater Ice Co. we are building a community that values open, green and productive spaces.

About Fleishers Grass Fed and Organic Meats Fleisher’s Meats carries premium products from local farmers who have raised their animals on a primarily grass-based diet or organically-raised. These animals live natural stress-free lives and are not treated with antibiotics, hormones or fed animal-by-products and therefore produce healthy, great-tasting meat, milk and eggs. We consider ourselves partners with farmers who share our standards and practices.

About the Hudson Valley Youth Chorale The Hudson Valley Youth Chorale has delighted audiences since 1995 with its engaging musical presentations and sparkling musicality. The chorus captures the hearts of their audience with their pure love of singing. The singers, 3rd through 8th grade boys and girls, are drawn from throughout New York’s Hudson Valley. Their repertoire spans an array of musical styles: classical (both secular and sacred songs) multicultural folk music, popular song, spirituals, gospel and jazz.  HVYC performances are often highlighted with choreography.