What’s happening at Tucson Village Farm? April 2024 Edition

(Photo courtesy of Tucson Village Farm)

What’s happening at Tucson Village Farm? April 2024 Edition

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Tucson Village Farm (TVF) is an educational urban farm designed for youth with a mission to reconnect young people to a healthy food system, teach them how to grow and prepare fresh food, and empower them to make healthy life choices.

Continue reading to discover what exciting events are taking place on the farm this month.

Happenings in April

Tuesday Market

Tuesdays from 4 – 6 p.m.

Person in a sun hat and AmeriCorps shirt holding a basket of green, red and yellow peppers at Tucson Village Farm

For nearly a decade, our Tuesday Market has been a cornerstone event at the farm, and it just keeps getting better! Every week, we showcase our locally grown produce, farm-fresh soups, salads, dressings, sauces, desserts, and much more. What started as a simple idea has evolved into a well-coordinated and eagerly anticipated weekly gathering. Be sure not to miss out on the excitement!

Market runs every Tuesday from 4 – 6 p.m. at our Big Farm location, 2201 E. Roger Rd. 

Learn more.

Market on the Move: Every Second Saturday

Saturday, April 13 from 8 – 10 a.m.

Cardboard box marked Keep Refrigerated, filled with oranges, strawberries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomato, basil, blueberries

For a donation of $10 you can get up to 60 pounds of fresh produce and food that you can share with your friends, families, neighbors, and people in need. 

Here’s how it works: 

Drive up and make your $10 donation per order (cash only at this time). Then pop your trunk, pull forward and we’ll load your vehicle! 

Everything is prepackaged and ready to go. Much of the food is rescued so it doesn’t end up in the landfill. We often don’t know what we will have until the morning of the event, and it varies month to month. Please arrive early as our produce is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. This event starts promptly at 8 am and goes until 10 am or until supplies last. If you join us later during the event, be prepared to wait in line as we do our best to rapidly fill cars with produce.

Learn more.

Public Farm Tour

Tuesday, April 16 at 3 p.m.

Two women work dark soil and straw by hand in an old white bathtub used as a planter at Tucson Village Farm

We’d love for you to join me (Jess) for our monthly community farm tour. You’ll have an opportunity to learn some farm history, gain new community resources, find out about all of our fantastic programming, learn fun facts, and even try a farm-fresh snack! This is a special TVF tour because it’s happening at the same time as our free low-income Spring Break Camp.

We ask for a suggested donation of $10 for the tour (cash or card).

RSVP by emailing Jess at JCL2@arizona.edu.

Volunteer on the Farm

Saturday, April 13

Three people in green 4-H Tucson Village Farm aprons behind a bar of grains, beans, vegetables, cheese and greens

We have volunteer opportunities out on the farm, in our commercial kitchen, and educating during our school field-trips. Want to get involved? Visit the TVF website under “Lend a Hand,” and fill out the volunteer intake form. From there, you will be sent an email every Friday with volunteer opportunities for the following week. If you’re working outside, please remember to wear closed-toed shoes, bring sun protection, and don’t forget your water bottle! Get involved (sign up).

We also do one community volunteer day per month. Our Saturday Service Day will be help on April 13th from 8 – 11 a.m. at our Big Farm.: 2201 E. Roger Rd. Get involved (sign up).

Chicken Poop Bingo

Sunday, April 28 from 2 – 4 p.m.

Hen standing on a numbered grid board inside a chicken-wire enclosure as people watch at a Tucson Village Farm event
Photo Courtesy of Tucson Village Farm

Have fun, win prizes, AND support a great cause! Here’s the feather in the cap: all the proceeds from this event will help us make our latest dreams come true — building an Animal Education Center, and having our very own TVF sheep and goats! So, while you’re having an egg-citing time, you’re also helping us to acquire our farmyard friends. It’s a win-win that’s worth flocking to!

Bring cash to play – cluck, cluck, HOORAY!

This event is located at Tucson Hop Shop, 3230 N. Dodge Blvd. H.

Learn more.

Coming Soon in May and Beyond

Outdoor Leadership Camp: Backpacking Camp for Teens

Starting in May

Young campers on logs around a stone fire ring in a pine forest, with ferns strung overhead and a hammock nearby

This outdoor leadership camp starts at the 4-H Ropes Course where we will spend Monday working on communication and problem-solving skills.

The afternoons will be spent creating our camping meals for the subsequent 4-day, 3-night camping/backpacking experience. Campers will need to be dropped on Tuesday morning at the trailhead and picked up on Friday afternoon. Campers will participate in thrilling, safe outdoor adventures including magical night hikes, hiking to breathtaking locations, learning to navigate with a map and compass, playing epic games and much more. Both the 4-H Ropes Course and the 4-H Healthy Living Center are located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.

Learn more.

Annual Fundraiser Dinner Featuring Chef Janos Wilder

Saturday, May 11

Flyer for Tucson Village Farm's Spring Fundraising Dinner 2024 with chef Janos Wilder, May 11, 6 PM, tickets $175

Tucson Village Farm is gearing up for an enchanting evening of community, delectable local cuisine, and a very special guest: Janos Wilder on May 11th. We have one Annual Fundraising Dinner per year, and it’s certainly not to be missed. 

While we acknowledge that this event is still a while off, tickets are already selling fast. If you’re keen on supporting a fantastic cause and indulging in a fabulous farm-fresh dinner, book now.

Learn more.

Culinary Medicine Summer Summit

Monday, June 10 – Friday, June 14

Teen in Tucson Village Farm apron holding pink pancakes with chocolate, strawberries and sprinkles in a busy kitchen

Our Culinary Medicine summit will teach you the basics of nutrition and its impact on our quality of life. You will explore different possible careers in health, learning about why nutrition is a critical piece of our well-being. Throughout the week, you’ll have the opportunity to acquire new skills, such as making bread from scratch, pickling, and discovering quick and nutritious meal prep tips.

At the end of the summit, students will receive a “Youth Culinary Medicine” certificate, marking your achievements in the exploration of nutrition and health (a great resume builder).

We aim to inspire the next generation of health professionals and provide you with hands-on experience in the world of culinary medicine! This camp will take place at the 4-H Healthy Living Center located at 2201 E. Roger Rd.

Learn more.

Tucson Village Farm is located at 2201 E. Roger Rd. For more information, call (520) 621-1006 or visit tucsonvillagefarm.org.

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Article written by:

Jess Luse
Tucson Foodie is Tucson's premier food and dining publication, covering the best restaurants, events, and culinary experiences in Southern Arizona.

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