Mission Thrive Teaches Baltimore Teens Wellness Through Urban Farming and Mindfulness

For five weeks in the summer, a group of inner-city high schoolers in Baltimore farm, cook, and learn leadership skills, all thanks to Mission Thrive, an innovative program co-created by The Institute for Integrative Health. Mission Thrive Summer participants, many of whom who are paid for their work on Civic Works’ Real Food Farm, also get mindfulness training— a combination of yoga, breathing, and silent reflection — to help them manage stress and regulate their emotions. Through their hands-on experience on the farm and nutrition training, students learn the difference between real, whole foods and store-bought products.