WORCESTER, Mass. - Basil, tomatoes and scallions. The plants in WooSox Farms are doing well this summer, and the recent string of heat has played a big role.

"When the youth came back to start working this summer, the weeds had gone up and they had so much work to do," Vanessa Calixto, coordinator for YouthGROW, said. "But the garden is looking so great."

Members of the Regional Environmental Council's YouthGROW program have been tending to the plants this summer, in what has become an annual tradition. The program teaches teenagers, ages 14 to 18, the ins and outs of urban agriculture, professional development and financial literacy.

Following a challenging spring for the city, with a number of instances of youth violence, organizers of YouthGROW hope this can be a building block towards a bright future.

"We're here to be able to provide safer spaces for our young people where they can learn about the wonderful city we live in and the community we're working together to nurture," Calixto said.

The REC is expecting to harvest roughly 5,000 pounds of food, which goes towards their farmers markets. What isn't sold is donated back to the community. 

The Worcester County Food Bank reports one in nine children in the area are experiencing hunger. Adults are at one in 12, according to reports. Figures like these hit home for Erica Ramirez, who is in her third summer working with YouthGROW.

"I really do like to see things from people's point of view and be in their shoes," Ramirez said. "So, I know a lot of people are in need of help. So, it's truly a good thing to do for the environment."

For Ramirez, it's also a chance to put down the screens and do something meaningful.

"You're outside with nature," Ramirez said. "Most teens, they're on their phones or they're at home doing nothing. It truly does mean a lot for me. It's really nice to get in touch with nature, breath air, and be outside."

Students will work to harvest fruits and vegetables at a number of gardens through mid-August. The goal is to prepare them for life after high school.

"It's important for them to get these life skills and to learn how to collaborate and work as a team, work with others and also build leadership skills," Calixto said.

The REC hosts a number of farmers markets in the city, including a mobile farmers market they take around the city. For a look at their schedule, click here.