Let's Grow!

Jones Valley Teaching Farm is showing young people the power of food and sharing lessons that can last a lifetime

- CAMERON BEALL,Robbie Caponetto

A Birmingham teaching farm planted the seed for Shun Mack's thriving career a decade ago.

Driving along I-20 through downtown Birmingham, you might be surprised to find a 3-acre city block of gardens—something that feels out of place against the urban skyline. Neatly planted plots and raised beds grow tall with rows of seasonal produce and blooms, peach trees sag with ripe fruit, and eager students are hands-on in the fields. This is Jones Valley Teaching Farm (JVTF), where food and education form the foundation and empowering young people is the mission.

“Jones Valley really raised me…. It was like my safe haven,” says Shun Mack, the farm’s education product manager. “I grew up in a very tough neighborhood, and home was not a good place, so this felt like an outlet. When I went there [as a student], I felt free, empowered, and curious. I felt all of these good things, so I just kept going.” Mack’s story with the nonprofit may be unique, but her sentiment (and the impact the organization had on her) isn’t.