“(We) feel strongly about this being an educational space.”
Hilltop Urban Farm is growing more than food. It's also growing the next generation of farmers.
The nonprofit, community-centered farm sits on 107 acres of land, 23 of which are dedicated to farming. It takes its name from the Hilltop neighborhoods it serves in Pittsburgh.
In addition to growing fresh, healthy food, the farm offers youth-centered education and programs for new urban farmers.
UPMC proudly supports Hilltop Urban Farm in its mission.
“(We) feel strongly about this being an educational space,” says Hattie Lehman, Hilltop's director of farm programs.
Hilltop Urban Farm has a Farmer Incubation Program (FIP) for newcomers interested in learning the fundamentals of urban farming and permaculture.
The program allows new farmers to test their crop plans and business ideas without the usual roadblocks. They also learn business management skills and growing techniques.
“We can break down all the barriers that most first-generation farmers have,” Hattie says. “Which is not knowing what tools they need, not having the capital to buy all the tools, (and) not having access to land.”
Liz Metzler, Hilltop's director of farm operations and land management, says everyone's approach is unique. People's interests range from vegetables and flowers to beehives and native plant nurseries.
“It really can be everything and anything you want it to be,” she says. “The experience is very much like providing people with tools and providing people with land. And then you have your incubation idea that you can run with.”
The program is open to people 18 and older. Those interested can apply on Hilltop Urban Farm’s website.
Hilltop Urban Farm has a youth farm that offers after-school programs and summer camps for kids in the surrounding communities. The youth farm provides education and development opportunities while teaching about food production and teamwork.
Hattie says she received a call in 2023 from a science teacher at City Charter High School in Pittsburgh. The teacher said her botany students were interested in learning more about farming and food insecurity.
Hattie says she usually tries to reserve youth programming for neighborhoods in the Hilltop. However, one of the students lived nearby in Carrick and knew of the farm.
“So, we (partnered), and our first year was successful,” Hattie says. “Now we’re in our second year. They’re all juniors (in high school), 16 students interested in just being outside.
“When I asked them, ‘Why did you take this class? Why are you interested in the farm?’ A big thing was being outside and learning how to grow food.”
To learn more about the youth farm, programs, and opportunities, visit Hilltop Urban Farm's website.
Like the youth farm students, Liz's interest in farming was sparked by an environmental studies teacher in high school.
“Exposing people to different jobs and also just different places is really impactful,” Liz says. “Those experiences can really form the next generation and what they choose to do with their life.”
Years later, Liz has not lost that fascination of watching things grow. She remains committed to the long game of farming.
She believes educating people about where their food comes from is vital.
“But (we are) also doing what we can to impact this (Hilltop) neighborhood as far as food security goes, giving people the most high-quality produce, and reminding them that they are extremely worthy and food is a right,” she says.
Asked about the best part of her job, Hattie’s initial response is that she loves working outside. However, she also has another answer.
“Really, it's a relationship that I've built in the Hilltop with youth programming coordinators and directors,” Hattie says. “Because if we didn't have kids here, I wouldn't have a job. It's really cool to watch kids grow and feel comfortable outside.”
At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means addressing food insecurity through community growth and education.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Hilltop Urban Farm.
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