1. Fostering economic, human and community development in Holyoke, Massachusetts through projects relating to food, agriculture, and the environment. (Our Roots)

2. SupportsGardeners • Secures land, tests and improves soil • Trains and supports leadership development (stipends for elected leaders) • Training on organic gardening techniques • Engages members in further projects

4. SupportsYouth • Youth leadership training • Entrepreneurship & job skills • Staff and structure • Expression & culture

6. SupportsEntrepreneurs • Unique beautiful facilities • Training and technical assistance • Business planning • Access to financing – small business loans, IDAs • Marketing and markets

8. SupportsBeginning Farmers • Training and technical assistance in business & production • Access to Financing – micro-loans and IDAs • Access to markets, on farm and off • Land and shared-equipment • Incubation to buy and rent land elsewhere • Specialty seeds from countries of origin • Research on growing techniques with university

10. SupportsFarmers’ Markets • Promotion • Culturally appropriate products • Equipment – tents, EBT • Coupons • Allies – health, economic development, culture

12. SupportsCommunity-Led Policy • Culturally-based leadership development classes • Advocacy training • Allies • Community organizing • Creativity

14. HERITAGE AND KNOWLEDGE Many of the residents of downtown Holyoke have come from rural Puerto Rico. Many grew up on farms and many first came to the Northeast as migrant farm workers. The members of Nuestras Raíces have lifetimes of experience in farming. They are proud to use their knowledge to improve their neighborhoods and pass on their heritage to a younger generation.

21. Farmers raise specialty crops like ají dulce and calabaza, plus tomatoes, eggplants, sweet corn and more.

24. Waste food composted, planting medium for more seeds, plants Ají dulce seeds planted in greenhouse, 2 pt jobs Restaurant sells to public = 1 bus. opp. 2 FT, 3 pt jobs Ají dulce plants sold at market, to farmers = 2 youth jobs Sofrito maker sells to public, to restaurant = 1 family business, 2 jobs 8-12 Farmers grow ajíes, sell at market and to sofrito maker. Ají Dulce Pepper Plant www.nuestras-raices.org