events

Join us for Garlic Planting!

Fall is here and that means it’s time to prepare our field for winter. Join us on Saturday, October 14 for our annual garlic planting activity!

Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023

Time: 10 am - 12:30 pm

Location: 1832 W. Dean Avenue

During our time together, we will:

  • Plant garlic for next year

  • Sow winter rye seeds for our cover crop

  • Connect with community members who care about our mission

This will be our first year using a cover crop in our primary field. Over the summer, our youth team enjoyed learning about how cover crops support soil health and suppress weeds in the spring. In 2024, we’ll turn this into green manure to add nitrogen back into the soil.

Food, beverage, and good conversation are included in this free event, which is open to all ages. We will enjoy squash soup, made from winter squash we used as decorations at our Harvest Dinner. Roasted kale stalks will be on the menu for a tasty treat. These are edible and similar to broccoli stalks. Apple cider and tea will also be available.

We believe in the community-building powers of growing and sharing food together. This event is an opportunity to support our mission, connect with other youth and adults in our network, and celebrate fall. We hope to see you there!

Join River City Youth Ops' 2023 Harvest Dinner

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Time: 5:30 pm

Location: West Central Abbey, 1832 W Dean Ave., Spokane, WA 99201

Celebrating 15 years of youth leadership development and food education!

At River City Youth Ops, we’re celebrating our 15th anniversary. In those 15 years, we have had different names, locations, and visions but one thing has been consistent: cultivating opportunities for youth leadership development in West Central Spokane through food and education. Join us for our annual farm-to-community Harvest Dinner, where we will recognize what we have learned, how we have grown, and where we’re going.

Youth team sharing produce with the West Central Community.

Youth team making kale pesto.

The menu

Guests will enjoy a three-course meal prepared by Chef Noreen Hiskey of Inland Curry, celebrating seasonal produce from our local network of small farms. Chef Hiskey is crafting a menu inspired by the flavors of Indian and Mexican culinary traditions. 

Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm and will be followed by a dessert dash.

Entertainment & engagement:

Our evening will begin at 5:30 pm with an appetizer and beverage hour, where you will be able to learn what our youth team has been working on, what their goals are, and how you can support their continued growth.

Enjoy live music from Hannah Siglin while you connect with other community members & farmers sustaining our local food system. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear from a number of speakers who support our work and vision.

Ticket options: https://givebutter.com/HarvestDinner

We are implementing a new ticket structure this year. Guests may choose between a ticket without alcohol privileges for $80 or a ticket which includes alcohol privileges for $100.

A note from our team…

As we celebrate 15 years of our organization’s work, we are filled with gratitude for our community. The generosity of our volunteers, donors, and partners make our work - and a brighter future for youth food access - possible. Together, we can make a more sustainable and youth-centered food system in Spokane a reality!

Thank you for your continued support of our vision!

To purchase tickets, please visit this link.

Secret Garden Chef Series: Inland Pacific Kitchen + Hogwash Whiskey Den

Secret Garden Chef Series: Inland Pacific Kitchen + Hogwash Whiskey Den

Tue, August 27, 2019 · 6-9 pm

River City Youth Ops has partnered with chef CJ Callahan of Hogwash Whiskey Den and chef Austin Conklin of Inland Pacific Kitchen to create a five-course garden dinner. The gourmet meal features produce grown by local youth participants in River City Youth Ops' urban farm program. Wine and a featured cocktail will be served. Vegetarian option available.

Autumn, Auctions, and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood

Autumn, Auctions, and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood

Another Summer has come to a close, and what a great Summer it has been! From farmers' markets to garden parties, we've had a great time connecting with the community and mentoring the youth of West Central. We've achieved a lot of great things together during the harvest months. Now the days are shorter and the weather's colder, but we have some great things to achieve yet!