Cultivating commUNITY and Growing a Sustainable Future!
Our Board, Our Volunteers, and Our Partners are raising the village.
Featured Youth Farm Programs
“Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm”
The Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm is more than just urban agriculture —it's a hub of sustainability, education, and community growth. With everything from an herb garden to a mushroom forest, plus hands-on learning labs and sustainable systems, this farm is the heart of Petersburg Is Growing. Learn more about the farm’s features and how it’s empowering our community with food security initiatives through food production and education.
“Many Hands For Light Work”
Many Hands 4 Light Work
“Growing Together, Building Community”
Inspired by the Haitian proverb, “Many hands make for light work,” the Many Hands 4 Light Work program is a Volunteer Farm ASSISTant Cohort designed to strengthen the Petersburg community through regenerative agriculture. Meeting every Monday from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, this initiative brings together individuals passionate about growing food, learning farming techniques, and supporting local agriculture.
Taught to us by board member Nathaniel X. Graves III, who drew upon his community work in Haiti, this program emphasizes the power of collective effort to create meaningful change. The initiative is inspired and led by our board member, Larry Bartenstein (Volunteer Chairperson).
Program Goals:
• Foster Urban Farming Skills: Develop a skilled community of urban farmers with hands-on training in regenerative agriculture practices.
• Support Local Farmers: Extend the cohort’s impact by volunteering on local farms, providing essential support to farmers in the area.
• Build Community Resilience: Cultivate relationships and collaboration among participants to strengthen Petersburg’s local food system.
• Promote Sustainability: Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to implement sustainable practices in their own gardens, farms, and communities.
Why Join?
By volunteering with Many Hands 4 Light Work, you’ll gain valuable farming knowledge, contribute to the growth of the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, and make a lasting impact on the local food ecosystem—all while building meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
Together, we grow. Together, we thrive.
Join us every Monday and be part of this transformative community effort.
“Food 4 Thought Free Libraries”
Food 4 Thought Free Library
“Nourishing Minds, One Book at a Time”
The Food 4 Thought Free Library is an initiative by Petersburg Is Growing Inc. dedicated to fostering literacy, learning, and community connection in Petersburg, VA. This innovative program combines the power of books and food justice, offering free access to books while encouraging community members to engage in critical conversations about health, wellness, and sustainability.
Key features of the initiative include:
• Community Libraries: Strategically placed free library boxes stocked with books on gardening, nutrition, food justice, and more.
• Educational Resources: A focus on topics like urban farming, regenerative agriculture, and self-sufficiency to empower individuals with actionable knowledge.
• Literacy for All Ages: Books for children, teens, and adults to inspire lifelong learning.
• Food and Literacy Events: Workshops, book clubs, and community events centered around the intersection of food and knowledge.
The Food 4 Thought Free Library aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, connecting neighbors and fostering a culture of growth—both for the mind and the community.
Take a book, share a book, and grow with us.
Learn more about our initiative and find a library near you
“Gang Culture 2 Agriculture”
At Petersburg Is Growing, we're proud to introduce Gang Culture 2 AgriCulture—a 15-week program aimed at empowering teens to transition from gang involvement to positive, productive lives through urban agriculture and community engagement. By connecting youth with sustainable farming practices and life skills, we’re helping them cultivate new opportunities and grow stronger futures. Learn more and join us in supporting these transformative youth leadership programs!
Featured Leadership Development Programs
Young Pharaohs of Petersburg Journey
“Rooted in Legacy, Growing in Leadership”
The Young Pharaohs of Petersburg Journey is a transformative youth leadership program designed for young adults (18-25yrs.) in Petersburg, VA. Sponsored by Petersburg Is Growing Inc. and The P.L.U.G., this 12-month initiative introduces participants to the principles of mindfulness, social entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and philanthropy. By managing the Future Is Now Flow Fund, the young pharaohs learn how to generate wealth and health for their community while advocating for social, environmental, food, and climate justice.
Participants explore their heritage and leadership potential through activities like:
• Cultural Enrichment: Learn about the rich histories of Petersburg, VA, and the Nile River Valley civilization.
• Agricultural Education: Gain hands-on experience in farming, gardening, and urban agriculture.
• Wellness Practices: Engage in breath work, yoga, sound baths, and holistic living workshops.
• Skill Development: Attend workshops on organizational leadership, public speaking, and advocacy.
• Travel and Exploration: Culminate the program with a week-long cultural immersion trip to Cairo and Luxor, Egypt.
Scholars will also document their journey through photography, culminating in a community photo gallery exhibit.
By the end of the program, the Young Pharaohs will emerge as empowered leaders, ready to create positive change in their community and beyond.
Join us in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Interested? Apply today at www.petersburgisgrowing.org! Applications open October 17th and close March 1st.
The Greater Petersburg Area S.T.R.E.A.M. Scholarship
The Greater Petersburg Area STREAM Scholarship (G-PASS) is a transformative educational initiative designed to uplift undeserved, at-risk, and/or justice-involved youth. This initiative incorporates several youth leadership programs connected thru urban agriculture.
This initiative is designed to provide them with an immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Focused on STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Environment, Arts, and Mental Health), the program aims to ignite a passion for learning, build essential life skills, and prepare participants for future success in both academic and professional arenas.
Featured Markets & Produce Access
Mobile Market & Farmstand
Petersburg Is Growing Inc. is planting food security initiatives by delivering fresh, healthy produce and value-added products directly to underserved neighborhoods with limited access to affordable, nutritious options.
We empower the youth of Petersburg by offering internships, youth leadership programs, and apprenticeships in marketing and farmstand operations, providing them with valuable skills and hands-on experience. Our markets operate at least three days a week, distributing over 200 pounds of fresh produce weekly to areas classified as food deserts, significantly impacting the health and well-being of our community.
Through our Mobile Markets and Farmstand Programs, we bring essential urban agriculture resources to the heart of these communities, ensuring that residents have access.
Greater is The Goal: A Community-Focused Food Access Program
At Petersburg Is Growing, we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. That’s why we created Greater is The Goal, aiding in supporting food security initiatives to combat food insecurity and hydrate food deserts by offering free local produce bags to the community, while furthering opportunities for our youth leadership programs and internships.
Powered by our Petersburg Oasis CommUNITY Farm and local partnerships, this program not only nourishes bodies but strengthens the bonds within our community.
Learn more about how we’re cultivating resilience, unity, and sustainable urban agriculture. When it comes to the well-being of our common unity, Greater Is the Goal!