P-Patch What's New

Table of Contents

• Check out the P-Patch Trust Annual Planting Calendar (2.3MB PDF)
• Check out Magnuson P-Patch's Food Bank Gardening Handbook (0.95MB PDF)
• Americorps Job Announcement for the Apple Corps ? Seattle P-Patch Program



• KBCS-Green Radio Spots
  • P-Patches, Part 1: Sprouting Up All Over Seattle's Landscape
  • P-Patches, Part 2: Local Food from Local Gardens
  • P-Patches, Part 3: Marra Farm


• New P-Patch Community Garden in the Central Distict-Want to get involved?

Promote Healthy Eating and Active Living to Youth and Families in Seattle:
Five Americorps Positions with Apple Corps

Americorps Job Announcement for the Apple Corps – Seattle P-Patch Program

1 – P-Patch Program Development and Outreach Americorps
Term of Service: October 1, 2008 to August 2009

Program Description: The Apple Corps, a program of Solid Ground, works to reduce hunger, obesity, and poor health in children and families in Seattle and King County through school and community-based efforts. Apple Corps recruits and trains Americorps national service members to provide activities to children and families who are most at-risk for malnutrition and poor health by: promoting healthy eating and active living programs in conjunction with community partners; by increasing access to healthy foods; and increasing community awareness about the benefits of proper nutrition. Apple Corps members are assigned local agencies to empower youth and families with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives.

This position places an Apple Corps national service member with the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ P-Patch Program. The P-Patch Program, in conjunction with the not-for-profit P-Patch Trust, provides organic community garden space for residents of 70 Seattle neighborhoods. The community based program areas of the P-Patch Program are community gardening, market gardening, youth gardening, and food policy in the City of Seattle. These programs serve all citizens of Seattle with an emphasis on low-income and immigrant populations and youth. The P-Patch community gardens offer 2500 plots serve more than 6000 urban gardeners on 23 acres of land.

Organization Description: Solid Ground (formerly the Fremont Public Association) is one of the largest, most innovative human service agencies in the Seattle region. Created over 30 years ago, Solid Ground is dedicated to: developing and providing creative and effective responses to our community’s needs; offering quality human services in a manner that promotes dignity; advocating for policies and initiatives that give all people equal opportunities and resources; undoing institutional racism; and supporting the efforts of others who share our vision of community. Each year, Solid Ground provides shelter, food, counseling and other basic services for over 25,000 people in need and is at the forefront of addressing hunger and nutrition issues among low-income families throughout Seattle and King County.

About Americorps: Americorps members spend one year in full-time service addressing the needs of low-income communities. All projects place Americorps members in non-profit organizations and schools to effectively help individuals and communities overcome poverty. Learn more at www.Americorps.gov

Position Descriptions:
P-Patch Program Development and Outreach Americorps

The goal of the Americorps member will be to support the existing P-patch program and develop children and youth focused programs. The Americorps member will work on the following activities to fulfill this goal:

• Identify and develop resources needed to sustain the program. (e.g. volunteer help in the garden; gardening education instruction; off-season site management)
• Develop children and youth pilot gardens at two P-Patches
• Assist with research including surveys and focus groups to understand how best to involve children and youth.
• Recruit and coordinate tour leaders. (e.g. find hosts for youth group tours who can lead activities that may complement their learning)
• Assist gardeners to develop and manage children and youth focused plots in P-Patches community gardens.
• Identify and develop relationships with children and youth groups to perform service learning through P-patches. (e.g. Middle/High school student work parties, Using high school green houses to grow plant starts for food banks)

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

Position Specific Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of or strong interest in gardening, nutrition, culinary arts, physical activity and/or elementary education desirable; Experience working with low-income and diverse populations; Experience working with school-age children; Comfortable speaking in front of large groups; Basic cooking skills; Background in teaching, youth development, or community organizing a plus; Experience in program development; Proficiency in Spanish or another foreign language highly desirable, but not required; and Driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.

General Knowledge and Skills
Bachelor’s Degree or a combination of education, volunteer, and work experience that demonstrates ability to perform position duties; Effective communication and organizational skills; Ability to work as a team and practice effective relationship-building techniques; Ability to multi-task and work under pressure; Ability to work with people from various cultures, ethnicities and races as well as a commitment to challenge institutional racism; Knowledge of basic computer programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as internet research skills; and Knowledge of hunger issues, food assistance programs, and/or experience with educational institutions or social service agencies a plus.

Compensation and Benefits:
? Health Insurance
? Modest Monthly living stipend of $950
? A $4,725 post-service education award
? Loan Forbearance
? Childcare assistance (if income eligible)
? Training/Education in the areas of community building, organic gardening, volunteer management, etc. as needed
? Skill building
? Bus Pass

How to Apply:
1) Please submit an Americorps National Service Application at Americorps.org.
2) Once the application is complete, send a resume and cover letter to Michael Kim at MichaelK@solid-ground.org or

Apple Corps
Solid Ground
1502 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103

** - Priority will be given to applications received by July 21st.

More information about P-patch can be found at: http://www.seattle.gov/Neighborhoods/ppatch/
More information about Solid Ground can be found at: www.solid-ground.org.

Questions? Contact Michael Kim at Michaelk@solid-ground.org or (206) 206-694-6711.

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KBCS-Green Radio Spots

P-Patches, Part 1: Sprouting Up All Over Seattle's Landscape

April 10, 2008
Next up on One World Report, some say, “It’s not easy being green.” Wait, that’s not entirely true. Our next story from Green Acre Radio, a public affairs program with a focus on the environment, sustainable living and you, shows how Seattle has been “keeping the green” for a long time. In the first of its three-part series, Green Acre visits one of Seattle’s oldest community gardens. Also known as “p-patches,” these gardens bring people together to grow their own food. But there’s more to p-patches than a week’s groceries. They’re also about sharing the harvest to alleviate hunger, build community and unite people across ethnic and class lines.
Reporter: Martha Baskin GAR_20080410_Pea_Patches_MB (mp3)

P-Patches, Part 2: Local Food from Local Gardens
April 17, 2008
Next up is Green Acre Radio with stories of sustainable living, the environment and you. This week we continue the three part series on community gardens, otherwise known as “p-patches.” Urban community gardens are becoming an important part of the local food supply and a sustainable solution for alleviating hunger, as well as, the climate impacts from transporting food. This week we join local gardeners and learn about a Local Food Action Initiative.
Reporter: Martha Baskin Green Acre Radio Episode 10 Full Version (mp3)

P-Patches, Part 3: Marra Farm

April 24, 2008
To begin our Earth Day section, Martha Baskin of Green Acre Radio concludes her 3 part series on community gardens with a visit to Marra Farm. Like Picardo P-Patch from Part I of this series, Marra is a historical farm within Seattle city limits. At Marra, growing food for as many people as possible isn't only a mission appealing to adults, but a hands-on (and sometimes funny) educational experience for children.
Reporter: Martha Baskin Green Acre Radio Episode 11 (mp3)
For more Green Acre Radio spots Click here

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New P-Patch Community Garden in the Central Distict-Want to get involved?

Are you a people person or wish you were? Do you feel passionate about connecting our diverse community with opportunities to share, learn and grow in a neighborhood garden?

The Steering Committee is looking for a few more people to join the Outreach Subcommittee. If you would like to be a part of getting others involved in the garden, please contact Christina by email annachristina02@gmail.com or phone 404-545-5669 by Monday, May 12th. This commitment involves meeting as a subcommittee to brainstorm, plan new ideas and divide tasks. We are also responsible for reporting back to the Steering Committee at regular meetings 1-2x per month. This commitment will be heavier up until the grand opening of the garden, tentatively planned for sometime in October, and though less work, efforts will continue throughout the life of the garden.

Already we have accomplished a great deal and are excited to grow our mission further "Connecting our diverse community with opportunities to share, learn and grow in a neighborhood garden." Join us!