“Working in my garden reminds me how beautiful and heartwarming nature can be. It’s like a stress-free zone where I can focus on my breathing and relaxation and get things off my mind. And I really like using crops from my garden to cook for my family. It sparks conversations and brings us together.” — Diego, 11th grade LCS Intern
Love Cultivating Schoolyards This past year, our Love Cultivating Schoolyards (LCS) paid internship program engaged ten East Oakland High School students in virtual leadership and professional development trainings, as well as conversations and community impact projects related to food justice and food security issues. LCS also offered consistent COVIDsafe outdoor education opportunities at the Castlemont Farm and Gardens in East Oakland. These onsite planting, garden maintenance, harvesting, and food prep opportunities were a major highlight of the program, especially for students struggling with online learning and being indoors all day. The produce students grew continued to be the core of Oakland Leaf’s food distribution initiative, providing fresh, organic vegetables and herbs to families in Oakland’s most foodinsecure neighborhoods. Roots of Resilience | Oakland Leaf Annual Report 2020-21 16
