# Taproot Collective Is Growing Food, Building Skills and Employing Rochester Youth One Garden at a Time

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rochester-speaks-7724327/taproot-collective-is-growing-food-building-skills-and-employing-rochester-youth-one-garden-at-a-time
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/rochester-speaks-7724327/taproot-collective-is-growing-food-building-skills-and-employing-rochester-youth-one-garden-at-a-time.md
Podcast: [Rochester Speaks](https://stenobird.com/podcast/rochester-speaks-7724327)
Published: 2026-06-03T20:11:23+00:00
Episode link: https://rss.com/podcasts/rochester-speaks/2883394
Audio file: https://content.rss.com/episodes/375334/2883394/rochester-speaks/2026_06_03_20_11_14_1accea80-7185-4e56-b3c4-604958d5954a.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1046

## Resource

Nathaniel Mich, Executive Director of Taproot Collective, joins the show to talk about community gardens, youth employment and what his organization is quietly building across Rochester's neighborhoods. Nathaniel shares why Rochester is uniquely positioned for this kind of work, what Taproot Collective actually does for the 120 plus community gardens in the city, and how 40 to 45 young people from Monroe County households get their first real work experience every summer through the program. He also talks about what the recent changes to SNAP benefits mean for food insecurity in Rochester and why community gardens matter more right now than ever. Tools and Tunes at Taproot is this Friday June 12th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Taproot office and teaching garden on First Street across from the Rochester Public Market. Free admission, live music, farm tours led by youth leaders and a visit from the Southeast Area Coalition's mobile tool shed truck. Volunteer, get connected to a garden near you or learn more at taprootcollective.org

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## Transcript

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