In the fall of 2021, the Associated Supermarket located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn shut its doors due to development. Neighborhood residents, including many seniors, found themselves without access to a grocery store.

Community members were concerned about the lack of access to affordable, fresh, healthy food. That's where GrowNYC stepped in.

GrowNYC's Crown Heights Farmstand now serves the community by bringing a selection of seasonal and affordable produce to the neighborhood every Friday. GrowNYC Farmstands bring fresh fruits and vegetables to under-resourced neighborhoods across New York City while providing workforce development opportunities for young New Yorkers.

Historically under-resourced New York City neighborhoods are frequently overlooked by large food distributors and have fewer access points to fresh produce. 60 percent of Farmstand customers use a food subsidy program like SNAP, WIC, or OTC cards, making Farmstands, as well as GrowNYC's Greenmarkets and Fresh Food Box sites, crucial to fighting the inequity in NYC's current food system.

Giselle Ladino Perez, one of our Farmstand Youth Staff, shared that "I know that everyone deserves to have food on their table. I want everyone to be able to say 'Yes, food is a human right.'"

When you give to GrowNYC you ensure that New Yorkers across the five boroughs have access to fresh, affordable food - no matter their income or zip code.

We can't do this work without your support. Thank you for sharing our vision of building a more equitable and sustainable food system throughout New York City.

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 

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.

Every day, GrowNYC employees see first-hand the impact they have on the environment and the lives of New Yorkers in all five boroughs. We’re a non-profit organization founded 50 years ago, and we operate farmers markets, Farmstands, Fresh Food Box sites, food scrap collections, and more.

We hire many seasonal staff starting in the early spring. If you are interested in working for this dynamic organization to provide fresh food for all and reduce New York City's carbon footprint, join our job fair and meet our team!

At the GrowNYC Virtual Seasonal Job Fair, you will meet staff from each of our programs, hear more about seasonal jobs available at GrowNYC, and get a chance to ask questions about working with GrowNYC.

GrowNYC Seasonal Job Fair
Tuesday, April 4th
6-7pm
FREE event, please register here.

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 positions (seasonal and otherwise) and Greenmarket farm and farm stand job opportunities are posted here: 
GrowNYC job opportunities and Greenmarket farm and farm stand job opportunities.

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.

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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. 

In honor of National Food Day on October 24th, GrowNYC’s third annual Big Apple Crunch is taking over the city once more. Big Apple Crunch is a city-wide celebration of healthy eating, achieved the best way we know how - by crunching into apples, all over the Big Apple! Join us and our partner, Record Setter, as we aim to set the world record for “The Most Participants to Bite into an Apple in One Day.”

Looking Back

In 2013, we saw 1 million people (yes, you read that right!) participate in the Big Apple Crunch. Businesses, schools, organizations and individuals came together to take part in the “crunch heard ‘round the world.”

This Time Around

We’re a month away from the 2014 Big Apple Crunch, and more than 11,000 individuals have already registered to Crunch on October 24. We’re happy to say the Crunch has expanded all the way to Temple, Texas this year! In anticipation, groups are sharing their photos of apples and tagging #BigAppleCrunch.  
 

Ways to Be A Part of #BigAppleCrunch 2014

• Find A Crunch: There are Crunches happening all over the city. Eight of our Greenmarkets and Youthmarkets will be hosting Crunches. Visit bigapplecrunch.org to find one near you.
   
• Host Your Own Crunch:
  
  Step 1: Register! Let us know how many people you’ll be Crunching with (if you’re not sure, that’s fine - we will follow up with you after Oct. 24).
  
  Step 2: Tell your friends! Ask your friends, family, students and co-workers to join you for Big Apple Crunch 2014!
  
  Step 3: Get your apples! You can purchase locally grown apples at your local Greenmarket or Youthmarket. You can also place an order with GrowNYC Wholesale for a bulk delivery and pick up your order at a Youthmarket.
  
  Step 4: Crunch! Anytime during the day on October 24th. Don’t forget to take photos and tag #BigAppleCrunch when posting on social media!
   
• Crunch Solo: crunch into an apple and take a selfie. Every person counts! Don’t forget to register and hashtag #BigAppleCrunch!
   
• Become a Partner: As a partner, we encourage you to spread the word and engage in setting the world record with us by not only hosting your own Crunch but also urging others to do the same via outreach. You will be credited on our website and recognized on social media for your help in furthering the success of this big day!
   
• Become a Sponsor: Click here to learn about the benefits of becoming a Big Apple Crunch 2014 sponsor.

Wherever you Crunch, make sure to register, so we can count you.  Every crunch counts!   For more information, please reach out to Ben Gordon at bgordon@grownyc.org

Happy Crunching!

The Big Apple Crunch is an attempt to set the world record for the "Most Participants in an Apple-Crunching Event." This event will take place on FOOD DAY - October 24, 2013. New Yorkers can participate by finding a crunch near you: at any of GrowNYC's Greenmarket Farmers' Markets or another location near you or by hosting a crunch yourself! We want it to be the crunch heard 'round the world!

Please pledge to take a bite with us at 12pm or at any time during the day that works for you. RecordSetter.com - a New York City based organization tracking new world records - will be tracking our progress towards having the "Most Participants in an Apple-Crunching Event!"

Register your team at bigapplecrunch.com

GrowNYC formed a partnership with Wagner Middle School in Manhattan called Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools, funded by NYC Council Member Jessica Lappin. Under one roof, we are providing support from five GrowNYC programs: Learn It Grow It Eat It, Grow to Learn School Gardens, Greenmarket Youth Education, Recycling Champions and Environmental Education. For an entire year, GrowNYC staff is educating young people about how to lead lives that improve their personal health and that of the environment around them; so that eating, growing, learning and going green become second nature.

On the recycling front, we recently helped Wagner launch a school-wide cafeteria recycling program – 1,200 students in grades 6-8 sorted everything from trays to milk cartons, placing them in their proper containers with help from dozens of student volunteers and Green Team members. 1,200 students recycling milk cartons for one year will save 31 trees!

To keep it fun, grades are competing to see who can reduce their overall waste – on a weekly basis, the amount of waste will be calculated and the winning grade announced on Fridays. At the end of every month, the grade that has reduced waste and recycled the most will receive special “Out-Lunch” privileges. Wagner has averaged a daily reduction of 9 bags of garbage or 17%, while generating an extra bag of recyclables.

The contest, designed by the Green Team, was the culmination of an outreach campaign they undertook to educate their classmates. Working with their advisor, teacher and sustainability coordinator Jessica Gordon, students created posters, morning announcements, and a PowerPoint. The success of the program could not have been possible without the support and help of Wagner’s administration and staff.

We are truly thankful for the time volunteers commit to helping GrowNYC provide resources for a better NYC. Meet a few of our awesome volunteers! JOE BUCK As an Open Space Greening volunteer with GrowNYC, Joe has led teams of volunteers at Greening's biggest event of the year, the Annual Spring Plant Sale, which distributes plants to over 500 neighborhood garden projects every year. Why he does it: I enjoy the opportunities with GrowNYC and the community gardens because I get to tap into my imaginary “Inner-Gardener” in the midst of the urban jungle. “To be of service” was instilled in me growing up, so it feels natural to lend a hand. Besides, being self-absorbed is far more exhausting. The best part: Getting dirty! My job is a suit and tie. So having the opportunity to dig in the dirt, learn about a flower or vegetable or help create an oasis in what was once an empty lot is magical. It sounds bit corny, but I mean it. The impact: It connects resources with needs! It gives people the opportunity to step out their comfort zones and actually be part of the solution. Each one teach one, right?! NANCY RAPHAEL As a recycling volunteer with GrowNYC, Nancy has helped teach New Yorkers about composting and contributed to successful recycling at large events. Why she does it: I thoroughly believe that it takes a collective effort to make a difference and enjoy working with GrowNYC staff and fellow volunteers who have dedication visible in their faces. I do not view my volunteering experience as giving up my Saturday or Sunday, or as sacrificing my sleep. Instead, I see it as contributing my time to making a big difference in changing the carbon footprint of New York and I am proud to be a part of such a large task. The best part: The fun of engaging with New Yorkers and asking them to take care of the city they live in and think of the world they are a part of as well as connecting with fellow volunteers. I also enjoy the camaraderie between recycling volunteers that makes for a successful effort. The impact: As people become more and more conscious, they will feel compelled to volunteer their time and recycle at home and everywhere they may be--picking up stuff on the ground or advising others to recycle. ERIN EASTERN As a Greenmarket volunteer with GrowNYC, Erin staffs Union Square Greenmarket's Market Information Station and answers customer questions while assisting with cooking demonstrations and other market promotions. Why I do it: I volunteer because I believe in the farmers market/food justice movement and enjoy being helpful to the Market Managers so that they can run one of the best Public Markets in the world. I am proud to be a small part in the success of Greenmarket. Also, I love being outside rain or shine. As an indoor worker during the week, I genuinely miss the time I spent working outdoors and the feeling of being out there (especially when the weather is beautiful, of course). The best part: Having a community that is separate from my work, family, and friends. The people I meet through Greenmarket cross the usual cultural boundaries (e.g. urban/rural, young/old, farmer/organizer) and broaden my social world. I enjoy meeting the other volunteers and learning how they came to Greenmarket; making new friends that also have an interest in food justice, urban growing, CSA's, and a myriad of other cool things unrelated to food like film studies, United States law, and sports. The impact: The larger impact of Greenmarket is huge and I like thinking about how I am part of what they accomplish: Encouraging New Yorkers to interact with their food producers and learn where their food comes from; providing underserved communities access to fresh, healthy foods; creating a learning environment for schools and media; incubating small businesses and helping farmers to stay on their land.