The GrowNYC Compost Program is typically focused on collecting residential food scraps, but this Spring, we’re also giving away free compost made from the food scraps we’ve collected in the last year and processed by our partners! 

This is our annual act of reciprocity: we're closing the loop and giving thanks to the thousands of New Yorkers who have saved their food scraps from landfills by bringing them to our Food Scrap Drop-off sites. Small, 2-pound bags of ready-to-use compost will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last!

Compost Made in NYC

The compost for this Giveback is provided by two New York City Compost Project host sites: Queens Botanical Garden and Earth Matter NY. If you’ve dropped off food scraps at one of GrowNYC’s Food Scrap Drop-off (FSDO) sites, then the bag of compost you’ll receive may contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from your very own peels and pits. That’s what we mean when we say “closed loop.”

Compost Giveback Schedule

Quantities are limited and based on average weekly participation at each drop-off site, so consider coming early to make sure you get a bag. Our 2023 Spring/Summer givebacks are finished, past givebacks events are listed at the bottom of this page. 

How to Use Compost

You don’t need to have a backyard or garden to have a use for compost. Indoor plants benefit from an annual application of compost, and we all have access to street trees that can use some love. We recommend mixing your compost into soil at a ratio of at least 3 parts soil to 1 part compost for best results.

• For outdoor plants: Rake, sprinkle, or mix the compost into the soil of garden or tree beds.

• For indoor plants: Gently mix an inch of compost into the top layer of potting soil, or blend with potting soil when repotting.

Compost is not shelf-stable and will not store well. Please use your compost within a week or two of receiving it.

Our small Compost Giveback bags are also compostable! Please remove the tin tie and sticker before bringing the empty bag back to a GrowNYC Food Scrap Drop-off site for composting.

What is compost, anyway?

During Compost Giveback events, there’s often some confusion about what we’re giving away and why. Here are a few definitions to know:

• Food Scraps (noun) – the uneaten foods or parts of food. Calling these items scraps, rather than waste, highlights their value and potential for beneficial use, including human and animal consumption of rescued edible foods, composting, and anaerobic digestion.

• Composting (verb) - the process of aerobic, biological decomposition that transforms organic materials like food scraps and fallen leaves into compost.

• Compost (noun) – a soil amendment that resembles dark, crumbly topsoil, has a pleasant earthy smell, and has no resemblance to the original organic materials from which it is made. Compost refers to the finished product of the composting process, and is not to be confused with food scraps, which are just one ingredient in the composting process.

• Soil (noun) – the upper layer of earth in which plants grow. Healthy soil consists of 45% minerals, 25% water, 25% air, and 5% organic matter. Soil is not to be confused with compost, which is a soil amendment that adds organic matter and beneficial microbes to soil.

When you drop off your food scraps with GrowNYC, we bring them to composting facilities, where they’re mixed with carbon-rich materials like leaves and wood chips, and transformed into compost. The finished compost can be used to improve soil quality for houseplants, gardens, and street trees alike.

Additional Resources

• How to Use Compost Tip Sheet from NYC Compost Project

• See the New York City Street Tree Map for tips on how to care for urban trees.

• For information about getting compost in larger quantities, visit nyc.gov/getcompost. 

---

The compost giveback is made possible by funding from the NYC Department of Sanitation.

Past Giveback Events 

Thursday May 4th

• Kew Gardens FSDO (flyer)

Friday May 5th 

• College Point FSDO (flyer)

• Corona FSDO (flyer)

Saturday May 6th

• Ridgewood FSDO (flyer)

• Sunnyside Greenmarket (flyer)

Sunday May 7th

• Terraza 7 FSDO (flyer)

• Forest Hills Greenmarket (flyer)

• Jackson Heights Greenmarket (flyer)

Wednesday May 17th

• 58th Street Library FSDO (flyer)

• Madison Square Park FSDO (flyer)

• Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket (flyer)

Thursday May 18th

• 181st Street FSDO  (flyer)

• Community Access FSDO (flyer)

• 145th Street FSDO (flyer)

• Tucker Square Greenmarket (flyer)

• Wilson Ave FSDO (flyer)

Friday May 19th

• 97th Street Greenmarket (flyer)

• E 96th Street FSDO (flyer)

• St. Mary’s Harlem FSDO (flyer)

Saturday May 20th

• Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket (flyer)

• Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket (flyer)

• McCarren Park Greenmarket (flyer)

Wednesday May 24th

• Mott Haven FSDO (flyer)

• Morrisania FSDO (flyer)

Thursday May 25th

• Crown Heights Franklin Ave FSDO (flyer)

• Prospect Heights FSDO  (flyer)

• Norwood Farmstand (flyer)

• BronxWorks FSDO (flyer)

Friday May 26th

• New Roots Community Farm FSDO (flyer)

• Fordham Plaza FSDO (flyer)

• Montefiore FSDO (flyer)

• Parkchester FSDO (flyer)

Saturday May 27th

• Kensington FSDO (flyer)

• 7th Ave Sunset Park Greenmarket (flyer)

• Bay Ridge FSDO (flyer)

• Abyssinian Tot Lot FSDO (flyer)

• Inwood Greenmarket (flyer)

• Abingdon Square Greenmarket (flyer)

• Tribeca Greenmarket (flyer)

Sunday May 28th​

• 79th Street Greenmarket (flyer)

Wednesday May 31

• Rockaway Parkway FSDO (flyer)

• Little Haiti FSDO (flyer)

• Leif Ericson Park FSDO (flyer)

Friday June 2nd

• Cypress Hills FSDO (flyer)

• Crown Heights Farmstand (flyer)

• Flatbush Function FSDO (flyer)

Saturday June 3rd

• Ft. Greene Greenmarket (flyer)

• Bed-Stuy Fresh Food Box (flyer)

Sunday, June 4th

• Asphalt Green FSDO (flyer)

• Bensonhurst FSDO (flyer)

• Carroll Gardens Greenmarket (flyer)

• Columbia University Greenmarket (flyer)

• Cortelyou Greenmarket (flyer)

Wednesday, June 14th

• Newkirk Ave - Little Haiti Food Scrap Drop-off

Friday, June 16th

• Cypress Hills Food Scrap Drop-off

Sunday, June 18th

• Bensonhurst Greenmarket 

GrowNYC is happy to announce our Winter 2023 Training Series!

This free training is available to nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in operating a food box or farm stand in their neighborhoods. Organizations are invited to join us for an informational session on Tuesday, Jan 10th from 4-6 PM. This overview will help organizations determine which model is the right fit for them. We will provide general FreshConnect background, details about ordering produce through GrowNYC Wholesale, and highlight the differences between a farm stand and a food box. The info session is not required, but if you're still deciding if you'd like to run a farm stand or a food box, this will help you understand the differences and make your decision.

January 10, 4-6PM, Information Session
Register for our first information session here.

All training sessions are remote via Zoom.

Jan 24, 4-6 PM, Farm Stand Training
Jan 26, 4-6 PM, Fresh Food Box Training 

GREENMARKET GIFTS
Greenmarket Merch: Tote bags (many farmers also tell totes!), reusable produce bags, 2023 calendar designed by Aly Miller Illustrations 
Greenmarket Tokens: Wooden tokens can be purchased in $5 increments at the information tent at any Greenmarket using a credit or debit card. Tokens can be used like money at most vendors. 

SELF CARE
Soaps 
Sachets, Salves, Lip Balms, Lotions, and Body Oils
Beeswax Candles 
Wool Apparel, Yarn, Hats, Scarves
Herbal Tinctures, Teas, and Tisanes 

DECOR
Wreaths
Decorative Garlic Braids 
Poinsettias, Paper Whites, and Orchids
Succulent & Cactus 
Farmstead Wool Blankets and Wall Hangings 

TO DRINK
Hard Cider
Wine
Egg Nog
Spirits: Gin, Corn Whiskey, Vodka, Unaged Single Malt Whiskey
Bitters

TO EAT
Jams and Preserves
Farmstead Cheeses
Honey 
Herb Wreaths 
Cookies, Pies and Baked Goods
Maple Syrup, Maple Cotton Candy & Maple Candies
Popcorn
Chicken Liver Bourbon Pâté 
Soppressata and Cured Chorizo
Duck Salami and Prosciutto 
Bison Jerky from Roaming Acres 
Dried & Smoked Chiles & Powdered Spices 

Please note, not all of these items are sold at every market location so check the producer line-up to see what products are available at your local Greenmarket.

Join us for an intimate night supporting GrowNYC with a fabulous 3-course meal and cocktails by Gotham, live music, and sparkling conversation all in a classic New York setting.

We'll celebrate Grow's 50+ year history of working block by block across the five boroughs to improve quality of life for all people. We'll honor Bank of America, a keystone funder in our work to launch NYC's first all-local food hub in the South Bronx in 2023, and for helping us add 860 learning gardens in NYC public schools.

New York City is better for bustling Greenmarkets, buzzing community gardens, conservation resources like composting and rainwater conservation, and education for all ages that fosters environmental stewardship.

As we turn the page to a new chapter in NYC, let's celebrate the real work we do together to make ours the greatest city in the world.

Please contact Kate Boelkins at kboelkins@grownyc.org or 212-788-7900 ext. 235 to complete your ticket order. Thank you!

 

Work at GrowNYC Food Access and Food Scrap Drop-off Sites! 

Are you passionate about food access, local agriculture & food systems, and/or mitigating climate change through waste reduction and composting?  

GrowNYC is currently hiring field staff for immediate start to work at Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Food Scrap Drop-off Sites. 

We have multiple openings for immediate start, especially in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  

See below for more info on each position and click each job title to view the detailed job description. 

Compost Coordinator & Compost Coordinator - Bronx & Bilingual Spanish $19/hour (part-time)  
Compost Coordinators are responsible for collecting food scraps and conducting outreach each week at their assigned FSDOs. They promote food-scrap diversion for composting as an alternative to conventional waste disposal and educate NYC residents on a wide variety of waste reduction and landfill diversion topics. 

Compost Driver $26/hour (part-time) 
Compost Drivers are responsible for the hauling and delivery of food scraps and supplies between food scrap drop-off sites and local compost processing facilities. Qualified candidates combine a passion for waste reduction and landfill diversion with the practical skills needed to transport food scraps through NYC. 

Seasonal Market Manager $19/hour (part-time and full-time)  
Market Managers are Greenmarket’s representatives to the public. On a daily basis, they work to build healthy communities and create an environment where local farmers can sell their products and keep their farms viable. The Market Manager position is seasonal and is comprised of three equally important pillars – operations, promotions, and food access. 

Seasonal Farmstand Site Staff $19 or $20/hour (part-time) 
The Farmstand Staff will help sell fruits, vegetables, and other products outdoors throughout New York City under the supervision of the Farmstand Site Lead (rotating position.) The Farmstand Staff will be cross trained on all aspects of the Farmstand Site Lead role,and may be asked to fill in as the Lead as necessary. Please note that some Site Lead locations require driving and therefore a drivers license. The Farmstand Staff position is seasonal and is part-time or full-time depending on availability of applicant. 

Click here to view all job openings and apply now! 

Note to applicants on COVID safety: GrowNYC is committed to stopping the spread of Covid-19. All new hires must be able to provide proof of vaccination during the onboarding process. Employees are also required to follow COVID safety protocols as the situation evolves, which may include daily health screenings, mask wearing, and other mitigation measures as deemed necessary by local conditions, mandates, and applicable guidelines. 

About GrowNYC

GrowNYC is a 52-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action to make NYC a livable city, one where every person can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable life. GrowNYC Programs include:

• Our network of Greenmarkets, Farmstands, Fresh Food Box sites, and food distribution hub ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, healthiest local food. 
• We blanket the five boroughs with resources like food scrap and clothing collections to make waste reduction, recycling, and composting easy for all. 
• We build and support community and school gardens through volunteer days, technical assistance, training, grants and more. 
• We provide 70,000 children each year with programs that provide meaningful interactions with the natural environment. 

Job Requirements:

• We are looking for early-risers who can work outside in various weather conditions and lift heavy equipment.
• Age 18+
• Available May - November, including weekend days

Additional Skills Valued (but not required):

• Proficient in languages other than English
• Valid New York State Drivers license and an interest in driving in NYC

GrowNYC is committed to providing safe and accepting community programing. We do so by standing firmly against hateful speech and behavior of all kinds and firmly behind our employees, partners, participants, community members and others who share our values. We welcome all who want to learn and improve the world we share, as long as they join us with an open mind and heart and treat each other with respect and dignity.

When you participate in GrowNYC program offerings you will:

• Be considerate and respectful to all staff, fellow participants and the community at large.
• Refrain from demeaning, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, materials, and speech.
• Speak up if you observe anything at an event that conflicts with this Code of Conduct. If you are being harassed or feel uncomfortable, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact a member GrowNYC’s staff.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR
Unacceptable behavior from any participant or attendee will not be tolerated. Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech, materials, or conduct by any Attendee of the event and related event activities. Many event venues are shared with members of the public; please be respectful to all patrons of these locations.
• Violence, threats of violence, or violent language or symbols directed against another person.
• Sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory jokes and language.
• Personal insults or oppressive behavior, particularly those related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, basis of ability, age, cultural background, education, ethnicity, immigration status, language, nationality, physical appearance, or religion. 
• Taking photos or video or audio recordings which are used for the purpose of embarrassing or harassing an attendee, or edited or otherwise distorted for such purposes, or which use the likeness of an individual for commercial purposes without consent.
• Any boisterous, lewd, or offensive behavior or language, including but not limited to using sexually explicit or offensive language, materials or conduct, or any language, behavior, or content that contains profanity, obscene gestures, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
• Failure to obey any rules or regulations or directions given by event staff.

GrowNYC may direct any Attendee who violates the Code of Conduct to leave the venue and reserves the right to ban individuals from all of GrowNYC’s events and programing. In addition, GrowNYC staff reserves the right to discontinue the program unless the unacceptable behavior is corrected, or the disruptive party leaves the venue.

GrowNYC has received notification from Greenmarket producer Ronnybrook Farm that due to the possibility of contamination they are voluntarily recalling the following products sold at their farm stand and other retailers within expiry. 

• Ronnybrook Ice cream all flavor pints & 3 gallon tub (all effected products will have the manufacturing plant number “CT121” or “CT#121”) 

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with these products. This is a voluntary and precautionary recall. 

These products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Consumers who have purchased products listed above are urged to return these products to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-772-6455.

Company Contact Information:
Ronnybrook Farm Dairy 
1-800-772-6455

View the full Ronnybrook Farm Voluntary Product Recall details here.

We are proud to share some news!

Angela Davis, GrowNYC's Director of Retail Food Access and Agriculture, GrowNYC Board Member Liz Neumark, founder and CEO of Great Performances, beloved NYC catering and creative arts company committed to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, and Mark Izeman, Senior Attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), have all been selected to serve on the food policy transition team for Mayor-elect Adams. 

Transition teams are comprised of "experts, advocates and leaders committed to working together to improve New York City and prepare the Adams Administration to deliver for New Yorkers on Day 1." 

See below for the full press release, issued by the office of the Mayor-elect. 

*****************************************************************************************************************************

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: evan@pythiapublic.com and (917) 715-9265

Adams Transition Announces Members, Committees

New York, NY -- Mayor-elect Eric Adams’s transition organization announced its committees and members today, unveiling a diverse, talented group of hundreds of experts, advocates and leaders committed to working together to improve New York City and prepare the Adams Administration to deliver for New Yorkers on Day 1.

Many of the transition committees have been working and collaborating over the last month since Adams was elected to conduct City agency reviews, identify and interview candidates for key appointments, and develop policy priorities. The full list of transition committees and members can be found here on the Adams transition Web site. New members are still being added as work continues.

“This unprecedented collection of great minds and hard-working New Yorkers will prepare my administration for success because they represent the many backgrounds and views of our great city, and they are committed to working together toward its bright future,” Mayor-elect Adams said. “Each committee has been tasked with a specific set of goals and responsibilities to ensure we are ready to lead on Day 1. If we are going to tackle the many challenges in front of us as a city, the advocacy, nonprofit and business worlds must all be at the same table, working in collaboration--and that is exactly what this transition is doing. And the transition of this city to a safer, healthier, more prosperous New York will continue after January 1st—so I hope to continue to lean on this group of experts and advocates after I have taken office.”

The Adams transition is led by United Way of New York City CEO and President Sheena Wright and nine co-chairs who represent the breadth of diversity and talent in New York City, including top leaders from the worlds of government, labor, business and advocacy. Katie Moore is executive director of the transition. Meaghan Brown is chief operating officer.

###

 

In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Month, we're highlighting those who inspire us every day to learn more about Indigenous foodways and environmental practices. 

Learn more: 

• Munsee Three Sisters Medicinal Farm
  Vincent Mann of the Ramapough Lenape people spoke at the 2019 Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Working Group conference. You can read his remarks and the backstory of the tribe's struggles in New Jersey, as well as a recent story highlighting the Munsee Three Sisters Medicinal Farm which he founded.
   

• Iroquois White Corn Project
  The Iroquois White Corn Project puts the aspirations of the Haudenosaunee people at the heart of the project; by passing on cultural wisdom to future generations; ensuring healthy, culturally appropriate food is produced sustainably; and contributing to the health and well-being of the community.
   

• I-Collective 
  The I-Collective is a group of indigenous chefs, activists, herbalists, and knowledge keepers who work to create new dialogue that preserves historical indigenous traditions and promotes community resiliency. Their multimedia cookbook A Gathering Basket was released this year.
   

• Gather Film 
  A film about the movement of Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political, and cultural identities through food sovereignty, while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide. Available for streaming. 
   

• NDN Collective
  NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, NDN Collective is creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms. Required Reading: Climate Action and Indigenous Solutions is a roadmap, published by NDN Collective, that hones in on why Indigenous peoples must lead through the heart of the climate crisis.