Apply for the GrowNYC Mini Grant 2021

January 26, 2021

NYC DOE K-12 public and charter schools can apply for the GrowNYC Mini Grant! Eligible schools can apply for $500-$2000 in credit to a garden supply store to build or expand school gardens and outdoor learning spaces. The deadline to submit an application is February 15th, 2021 at 11:59pm(ET). To apply and learn more, visit grownycgrant.paperform.com

Here are a few resources that may help with your application:

Grant Writing Workshop: We are hosting a virtual Grant Writing Workshop on January 27th, 2021 at 4pm ET. RSVP on eventbrite. The workshop is not required, but is highly suggested, especially since our grant is different this year from previous years.

Grant FAQs: read about eligibility requirements, changes from past grant cycles, and more. If you have additional questions, email us at schoolgardens@grownyc.org 

Outdoor Learning Toolkit: This guide developed by GrowNYC and the National Wildlife Federation is meant to help schools in the planning and implementation of outdoor learning spaces in NYC. It can be a helpful resource as you plan your grant proposal.

Sample Application: Use this template to prepare your answers with your school committee. We recommend copy and pasting the questions into a word document or google doc. Before applying, you will also need to prepare the required documents to attach: a map of the proposed garden/outdoor learning space, a signed Principal's letter of approval, and a detailed budget spreadsheet.

Grant Application: Must be completed in one sitting. Make sure you have prepared your responses and required documents beforehand. Only one application per school - duplicate applications will be disqualified. Co-located schools can apply separately.

New York Seafood Summit

January 26, 2021
Posted in Greenmarket | Tagged seafood

New York Sea Grant, in collaboration with industry, academic and other professional seafood stakeholders, including GrowNYC, is hosting its annual New York Seafood Summit virtually this year, in English and Spanish.

The goal of the summit is to convene a group of enthusiastic professionals with vested interest in seafood to build active communications between the various sectors of New York's seafood industry. 

Each year at the summit we try to highlight some of New York’s bountiful seafood supply and introduce participants to the delicious, diverse, and versatile seafood’s available locally. 

Participants must register in advance for panels and discussions. Registration information here.

NOTE: Click Here to view in Spanish (haga clic aquí para ver en español)

The 2021 Seafood Summit will be going virtual!

Monday, February 22nd 3-4 PM
Culinary Discussion and Demonstration with Chef Victoria Blamey | Register Here

Tuesday, February 23rd 3-4 PM - Flyer (PDF)
Recirculating Aquaculture in New York with John Ng of Hudson Valley Fisheries | Register Here

Wednesday, February 24th 3-4 PM
New York Fisheries with Captain Peter Haskell | Register Here

Thursday, February 25th 3-4 PM
Seafood Retail in NY with Fishmonger Warren Kremin | Register Here

Friday, February 26th 3-5 PM
Participant Lightning Talks
Any participant interested in sharing a program, project, or resource with the summit audience is welcome to submit a 2-3-minute lightning talk (Click Here). These talks will need to be pre-recorded and submitted to NY Sea Grant.

Industry Panel on Resilience to Crisis | Register Here
Industry and agency panelist will discuss the challenges of the 2020 pandemic, how it affected different sectors and how different sectors did or could adapt to the significant economic changes and be more resilient in the future.

We hope to see you at the 2021 Seafood Summit!

You can check out a news archive that highlights previous seafood summits.

Also, there's a story map highlighting the New York Seafood Summit, which began in 2016 as a means of highlighting seafood efforts across New York and provide an opportunity for cross sector collaboration.

Notice of Recall, Maine Grains

January 26, 2021
Posted in Greenmarket

January 26, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Product Recall

Allergy Alert of Undeclared Soy in Organic Yellow Peas

GrowNYC is recalling Organic Yellow Peas from Maine Grains, Inc. of Skowhegan, Maine because it may contain undeclared soybeans. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life- threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

This recall affects Organic Yellow Peas purchased from GrowNYC between 10.17.2019 and 12.31.2020 and is limited to Organic Yellow Peas sourced from Maine Grains, Inc. Please check your product’s source label to confirm the origin or contact us for further assistance.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that organic soybeans of similar size, shape and color to organic yellow peas were mistakenly labeled as Organic Yellow Peas and shipped to GrowNYC for further packing. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by supplier error.

Consumers who have purchased Organic Yellow Peas sourced from Maine Grains are urged to return the product to GrowNYC for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact GrowNYC at grains@grownyc.org with subject line, “Recall”.

Please see the attached notice from Maine Grains for further information and contact.

Best,

Marcel Van Ooyen
President / CEO

 

Women of Greenmarket

January 26, 2021
Posted in Greenmarket

Madalyn Warren 
Kimchi Harvest

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field? 

Major challenges in agriculture are not gender specific, nature does not discriminate.  Personal challenges are with cultivating diversity everyday and fighting my own inertia and compulsion to over simplify.

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

My mom and mother earth.

What do you love about your work and farming?  

I love working with nature and keeping up with the seasons.  Every year i get stronger, the ecosystems on the farm become more complex and the honor and responsibility to feed people nutritious food and support dreams deepen.

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Shereen Alinaghian 
Ardith Mae

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

I spoke to other females, female farmers, and the girls that work for me about this question. It’s kind of funny because I don't find that there are any challenges for women more so than for men, at least in our group. I think it’s difficult for everybody. Farming is really tough for everyone. I actually think that as a female, it might be a little bit easier when dealing with livestock because you have a better understanding of the female anatomy. You might be a little more delicate when it comes to having to intervene in a difficult labor as well as aftercare. We all kind of have the same basic parts, and so we have a better understanding of what it's like to produce milk and the different literal growing pains the animals go through. 

I think it might actually be a little bit easier for women. Especially in the Hudson Valley, female farmers are so common now. Nobody really thinks differently in dealing with men or women. I think, overall, most farmers and those people dealing with farmers are looking for somebody who's knowledgeable about what they're doing. That's where they start to kind of gain respect for you. When I started farming, I was farming in northeastern Pennsylvania, which is very different than the Hudson Valley. There were some challenges because we were starting construction on our first facility. The contractors, and even the men that I would buy hay from, would say things like,  “Let me talk to the boss” and “we'll see what he says.” The boss, who was my husband at the time, would come to me and I would say,  “Just tell them I am the boss!” They could talk to me, or we can play this telephone game. But once they realized that I was on the farm and building the farm with the contractors inside, it was fine. I think that most men in certain areas just aren't really used to seeing a female that is as knowledgeable as a lot of men in the industry. 

What woman has influenced you in your work?

I don't have anyone in particular other than my mom. My mom is the most independent, kind of badass woman that I know. She always taught me that I didn’t need a man to carry luggage or to paint a room. She's always really encouraged me to be the tomboy that I've always been. My mom always supported me in farming. When things got really tough and I was having a really hard time financially or just managing the farm on my own, she was very supportive. She's always inspired me to be totally independent of a partner. I think that's helped tremendously in molding who I am. 

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

Never. That's the beauty of farming. As soon as you think that you’ve hit your stride, something happens and it's a real lesson. But that's one of the reasons I love farming so much. It’s never boring. There's always something to learn and you can always grow to become more mindful of what you're doing short-term and long-term. There is no stride - I'm always pushing to do more and have a positive impact on all the people around me. Farming is so humbling,  I would be afraid of what would happen if at any point I were to hit my stride. I never want to feel that way. I always want to be on my toes and remain proactive.

What do you like about being a farmer or about being in agriculture? 

With farming there's so much to learn-- it's really endless. Once you think that you have things figured out, there's more research on things like parasite management or new farming techniques. Cheesemaking is really fun, and we have the ability to be creative within that. It’s not just raising animals all the time. But the animals are what make it special for everybody. Goats are magical - they really test your patience but they all have such unique and individual personalities.

Farming is beautiful. I’m outside all the time. All of my views are of open pastures and animals grazing on them. It’s great being able to watch all of the seasonal changes.

-----------------------------------

Rebecca Rainville
Greener Pastures Farm 

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

Mostly, I'm pretty self-motivated and I can do a lot of stuff on my own. The biggest thing that I have trouble with right now is getting funded as a woman. I don't know if it's specifically woman-based, but I feel like when it comes to trying to get a loan, people don't think you really know what you're talking about. You kind of get that stereotypical response like, “You're not a man and you're looking for a farm loan?” I feel like we get a lot of that still. Like when I go to pick out a piece of equipment and people kind of look at me weird.I understand I'm a woman but, yes, I want to buy this tractor. It's sometimes hard to explain to people that I am a woman and I am in agriculture, and this is really what I do. Sometimes people just don't believe I’m a woman pig farmer. It's just not something you see. Usually people think that it’s your husband that's farming, and you are just the second half to the farm. But it's me. This is my farm.

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

Mary from Five Marys Farms. She's out in the Midwest. I watch a lot of her stuff. Her’s is a woman-based farm and she has all daughters. So it's all women running the farm. 

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

Actually, last year I had finally figured it out, and then COVID hit. But I said, “You have been successful before and now you get to go and play in the bigger sandbox with all the different people.” People were focusing more on local, which was really nice--to be able to provide extra for people, accurately, effectively, and rather quickly. Pork and chicken have a very fast turnaround, so last spring was honestly probably my best moment. 

What do you like about being a farmer or being in agriculture? 

I love that being able to educate people about the different products, whether it’s from birth to processing to raising, but also the finished product. Teaching people how to cook and use every part of the product as well as other things. I've taught people how to render the product down to make lard and use it for a million different things, how to make soaps with lard. People don't usually think of that, so that's been really inspiring.

-----------------------------------

Chrissy Chiachia
Gaia's Breath Farm

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

Not being taken seriously as someone who can operate any piece of farm equipment or managing daily trials and tribulations of farming since to be a good farmer you have to be a good problem solver and manage stress appropriately.

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

There’s three; my mother, Patricia Chiacchia, Julia Childs, and my first mentor, Leslie Revsen who was one of the first women to work in the kitchen at the Waldorf Astoria.

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

When I’m on the tractor in the middle of July and everything is growing and lush and we almost have a handle on everything. I feel like I’m ready to deal with any problems that come our way which they always do. I love walking in the potatoes and fields of other crops and feeling their energies.

What do you love about farming? 

Being able to fulfill my dream of practicing culinary arts using the best possible ingredients which we grow and raise on our farm. Everyday there’s something new! I love planting a seed and/or birthing an animal and seeing and reaping the rewards. Also there is nothing like the smell of the soil after the the winter thaw. I absolutely love to see the smile and joy on the faces of people who eat our food!

-----------------------------------

Laurel Bell
Wood Thrush Farm 

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

The biggest challenge for me as a woman, is teaching myself to have faith in my knowledge and experience. I’ve trained for farming my entire life, I grew up on a farm in Virginia, was raised by artists, farmers, veterinarians, and a paleontologist. I have always grown food, whether it be in a field, a backyard, or on a stoop. It is what I know the best, and yet it’s easy to have self doubt or to compare myself unfairly to my male counterparts. It is frustrating, the awed responses from some men when I am able to complete a seemingly simple mechanical task, as if it’s a surprise that I have a brain. Between farming and my previous profession, working as a chef, I’ve dealt with a lot of patriarchal hierarchy in the last decade. I’m really proud to be a woman who owns a farm business, and little by little I can help break up the assumption, not all farmers are white men.

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

I’m going to have to pull the mom card here.
My mother has always encouraged attention to nature. She once woke me up in the middle of the night when there was a Great Horned Owl outside her bedroom window. The Peterson’s Guide for Birds (on vinyl) often echoed throughout our house and she taught me the names of birds who frequented the feeders, the fields, and waterways. She took us on fossil digs, she encouraged my fascination of insects and provided terrariums to be converted into frog, fish, or praying mantis homes.. I did learn first hand what happens after praying mantises mate. Most of all, whenever I wanted a garden she would make it happen; I had flower gardens, vegetable gardens, and even a shade garden. One of our favorite activities was to visit the nearby nurseries so that we could find a new gem to add to our collection. Her love for plants was infectious and I learned that from an early age. I am who I am and can proudly call myself a farmer, because of my mother.

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

Over the recent years I’ve gotten several compliments from farmers who have been in the business for 30+ years. I was looking to them for advice and guidance, and then was told I was growing crops better or more efficiently than they were, it was a definite ah ha moment. I realized my desire to learn, my ability to adapt, and my ingenuity and love for puzzle solving finally had an outlet. Farming is all about trial and error, learning from mistakes and finding ways to improve. It is a lifestyle where I can combine all of my personal strengths and even flaws, and I thrive.

What do you love about farming? 

I love being outside, I love feeling, hearing, and tasting the changing of the seasons. I love being exhausted by summer and enjoying the downtime of winter. Previously, I went to school for holistic cooking, and as wonderful as it was to make good food for clients/customers, I always found myself stuck in a basement or a foreign kitchen. Being a market farmer allows me to know my customers in a much deeper and more reciprocal way. I’ve known our customers and fellow farmers for the last 8 years, and many of them are some of my closest friends. I love the reward of growing delicious food, and I also love the community we have as farmers.

-----------------------------------

Sharon Burns Leader
Bread Alone Bakery 

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

The challenges are less now than at any time in the past so I would be remiss not to celebrate that fact before going further. Women and girls have more opportunity and threshold respect in education, STEM fields, and even at their local garage or hardware store!  Coming up, that was not how it was for me and for my female colleagues. Walking into any situation in a kitchen or supply store it was assumed that you did not know what you were talking about or did not have the grit to follow through.  Commercial Kitchens in the 70's and 80's were male dominated locker-room style juggernauts for women.  In public, if there was a man involved in the work then that man would receive all of the praise and acknowledgement and, at the time, many men did not share the spotlight easily. 

This has been changing as men and women have been evolving and, though there are still issues emerging whose roots are embedded in the darwinian model, there are a lot of women mentoring women and a lot of men who are publically celebrating their female role models and co-creators. This shift in open collaboration is something I am very thankful for!

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

Two women come to mind right away: Trine Hahnemann and June Russell.  Both are women that I met through grain!

Trine is a force of nature: a cookbook author many times over, a business woman, a baker, chef, mother, thought provoker, and fiercely loyal friend. Trine loves my native city New York as much as I love hers - Copenhagen.  Trine showed me that if you believe in something then you fight for it and you don't worry about what other people think about you or your decisions.  Her cafe in Osterbro, Copenhagen is one of the most lovely places to relax and enjoy the Danish experience of hygge.  Trine is always the most gracious and beautiful host and has more deep friendships in more cities in the world than anyone that I know!

June, as you know, sheparded in the Local Grains Rule for Greenmarket.  What sounded initially like a threat to our livelihood became the work that has defined my career. When I first came to the FCAC and met June I was the classic introvert - pretty much afraid to say anything to anyone.  June was so driven and smart but also completely comfortable admitting when she did not know something.  And when she wanted to learn about a thing she went out and talked to people in a way that made them open up and want to explain.  I really respect how June comes to the table as herself.  She continues to be an inspiration to me as I watch her grow into a leader in our shared work of figuring out how to feed people, help people build equity and do less damage to our planet!

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

This happens in little ways that are rather impermanent!  I can describe the first time that I baked bread and knew from start to finish that it would be amazing.  Having made thousands of sourdough loaves over the years there comes a time when everything flows nicely and comes together easily.  This is the craft of baking but I can also relate this 'confidence' to times when I am handling a difficult personnel issue or a production problem.

This is a good question, though at first I was not going to answer it! Upon reflection I think the moment when I felt comfortable was when something went terribly wrong with a plan that we had in place and I did not panic.  This happens now all of the time. I go into positivity mode and jump over the problem in my mind to see what the next best step or path to a positive outcome could be.  There is always a next step and at times when things seem bleak it is important to keep an active problem solving flywheel going!

What do you love about being a Greenmarket baker? 

Greenmarket feels like home to me. I can remember driving back from the market in the early days and over the GW bridge with an empty truck and looking back at the lights that were on in apartments.  I knew that I had brought over 800 loaves of bread with me that morning and that I sold every one of them.  I imagined the 800 kitchen tables that those loaves were on and the happy faces around the table and I knew that I had chosen my path well and that feeding people would be my expression of service - something that I had been looking for - what we would now call 'purpose'. 

When we first came to greenmarket in the 80's it was an extension of the wild life that we had chosen.  I do not mean wild in the sense of the 80's in manhattan but of the return to the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. We were living in the most beautiful place on earth and we were making a life on our own terms - not part of the food scene or the corporate junket and yet we were able to bring our beautiful sourdough organic loaves into the greatest city in the world and sell them in a market surrounded by like minded producers.  People were (and are) so appreciative of not only our breads but of our lives!  That felt really heady to me because we worked really long and hard days and nights and it was amazing to have people appreciate what we did.

since Michael took over, I have to say that I have been additionally proud to be a producer in the market.  The work that the team that he led has been doing has been amazing to watch from the sidelines and really personally inspirational.  Not all of the initiatives worked - some of the markets in food deserts were improperly conceived but there was always a sense of transparency among the leadership and staff and pivoting to or away from failing decisions has been just part of the growth of the market.  Being part of the greenmarket now, for me, means that I am connected to a powerful voice for people whose voices are often not heard. People who want to be of service and to help but do not know where to start and also for people who have no power in the existing food system.  

-----------------------------------

Wendy Oakes Wilson 
LynOaken Farms 

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

Agriculture is still quite a man’s world. Especially conventional agriculture. Women have always been the “support” staff in agriculture, but there is not a well-respected farm out there that doesn’t have a woman pulling some strings behind the scenes!

There are more inherent possibilities to grow a new business with a woman at the helm (organics, niche producers, new products) but to lead a multi-generational, multi-income stream family business is always “interesting”. Men had been at the helm of LynOaken Farms for 100 years.

I am not out in the field and do not possess my family members’ green thumbs. I was actually the first to work for the farm without being expected to be in the field. For the first 5 years, it was mentally exhausting --- you don’t always see the “fruits” of your labors when you are streamlining accounting, opening up sales avenues and prioritizing human resource work.

I think one of the hardest things to get used to is “this is the way things have always been”. As general manager, I had to develop a strong sense of purpose and direction for the company that was a huge departure from the past.

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

As part of Generation X, we are really the first generation to both have to make changes and be able to enjoy the change. I look at my mother – she took a second seat to my father making sure that the farm books were done, running a picking crew and that their 5 kids were well taken care of. She didn’t need accolades or worldly possessions but she always had great respect for a job well done.

My mother worked for years not making a paycheck – simply doing what needed to be done to keep the business and the family going. At 91, she still is a force of nature. In effect, my mother gave me the grace to respect the work and the product but the impetus to make sure all abilities were appreciated and remunerated.

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

I have not hit my stride yet – that would be boring! We are constantly thinking ahead; what varieties to plant, what packaging will work best, how do we hire the best people, how do we get another generation interested in farming…

In 1984, I was the 18 year-old that said “I will never work on this family farm again!!” I wanted nothing to do with our small town or growing apples. I didn’t see a future for me on the farm because there wasn’t a position that would utilize my skills.

However, after living abroad and in Florida, getting married and wanting to have a family, an opportunity to increase LynOaken’s consumer direct presence presented itself and my husband and I moved back and we haven’t stopped innovating since.

What do you love about farming? 

Farming is not for the faint of heart; we are beholden to Mother Nature (the real boss lady!), changes in environmental restrictions and immigration laws. We act as our own accountants and sometime lawyers. We are in the commodities business and need to know international trends and pricing structures. We have to stay on top of human resource training and tax implications.

BUT, agriculture allows the producer to feel pride in a job well done. At LynOaken we strive to produce the best quality, best tasting fruit our land and climate will allow. Seeing a smile on someone’s face when they bite into a Crispin in June (that was picked in October of the previous year) is a thrill that can’t be replicated on a factory floor!

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Eve Kaplan-Walbrecht
Garden of Eve 

What are the challenges of being a woman in this field?

To be honest, it’s great to be a woman in farming. I love being in a work environment where you’re not judged on your appearance, clothes, or female stereotypes. Once in awhile, there might be a man who underestimates my physical strength or feels like he has to do things for me that I can certainly do myself. I love being part of a community of farmer-colleagues in my town, and sometimes I am certainly conscious that I’m the only woman at the table or in the room.

What woman has most influenced you in your work?

When we were first getting started farming, we would go to winter conferences and some of the female presenters really became role models for me, when I found myself in their shoes – balancing farming and motherhood – just a few years later. One is Claudia Kenny of Little Seed Farms in the Hudson Valley, she has a great energy and has always been so open about sharing her journey with me – even though I only see her about every five years or so. She was homeschooling before I was homeschooling, then later she became involved in Mediation and Collaborative Communication, and I continue to find myself walking a similar path.  

Was there a moment where you felt you had hit your stride?  If so, please describe. 

When we started the farm I was about 28. I felt young and saw myself as a “young person”. Then I had my first baby at 31, and all of a sudden I realized that the 20-somethings who worked for us saw me as being so much older. Actually it was sort of a sad feeling for me to be isolated in that way, but I also realized that by taking on so much more responsibility, between the farm and raising a family, I was in fact maturing and turning into a different and more mature person.

What do you love about farming? 

I have always loved being outdoors, and preferred it to being inside. Nature is real and it helps you live fully in every moment. My college essay was about how I didn’t really want to go to college, I just wanted to live in the woods. Farming is about as close to “survivalism” as you can get, while sleeping with central heating and making a living in a cash economy. Childhood friends and relatives sometimes seemed surprised I ended up farming, because it wasn’t in my background, but in many ways I’m not surprised at all.

 

Holiday Greenmarket Schedule

December 10, 2020
Posted in Greenmarket

Happy Holidays! Greenmarket farmers markets, Fresh Food Box locations have some schedule changes the week of Christmas and New Year's, see below.

GROWNYC FOOD RETAIL SITES HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
*Please note: some Greenmarket producers may be absent as they celebrate holidays with family and some may be absent due to inclement weather

All Fresh Food Box and Farmstand locations are CLOSED December 24th - January 4th

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21st

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22nd

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23rd

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24th - Christmas Eve

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25th - Christmas Day

  • All Greenmarkets CLOSED
  • All food scrap and clothing collections CLOSED

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26th & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27th 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 28th

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29th 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30th 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31st

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1st - New Year's Day 

  • All Greenmarkets CLOSED
  • All food scrap and clothing collections CLOSED

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2nd & SUNDAY, JANUARY 3rd

Climate Change Perception Survey - We Need You!

December 9, 2020
Posted in Greenmarket


You are being asked to participate in this research study because you are a customer of Greenmarket. The purpose of this research study is to assess the appropriate technical assistance that will help farmers who sell at NYC Greenmarkets to implement practical, cost-effective, and easily carried out climate adaptation and mitigation practices. 
 

Le invitamos a participar en este estudio de investigación porque usted es cliente de Greenmarket. El propósito de este estudio es entender qué asistencia necesitan los productores de Greenmarkets para incluir prácticas de adaptación y mitigación a cambios climaticos que sean factibles, rentables, y fáciles de implementar en sus sistemas.
 

由于您是Greenmarket的客户,因此请您参加此研究。本研究的目的是评估适当的技术援助,以帮助在NYC Greenmarkets出售产品的农民来实施实用的,低成本且易于实施的气候适应和减缓措施。

Greenmarket Gift Guide

December 1, 2020
Posted in Greenmarket

Holiday gift shopping for the Greenmarket lover is made easy with this list of popular holiday gifts from Greenmarket producers. 

GREENMARKET GIFTS
Greenmarket Merch: Tote bags (many farmers also tell totes!), reusable produce bags, The New Greenmarket Cookbook, 2021 calendar
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. 
The New Greenmarket Cookbook: Available for sale at Union Square Greenmarket 

SELF CARE
Soaps 
Sachets, Salves, Lip Balms, Lotions, and Body Oils by Lavender by the Bay 
Beeswax Candles from various honey producers
Wool Apparel, Yarn, Hats, Scarves from Catskill Merino and Rosehaven Alpaca
Herbal Tinctures, Teas, and Tisanes from Violet Hill Farm, Furnace Creek Farm, Tweefontein Herb Farm 

DECOR
Wreaths
Decorative Garlic Braids from Keith’s Farm
Poinsettias, Paper Whites, and Orchids
Succulent & Cactus plants from PeTal Plants, Fantastic Gardens, Silva Orchids
Farmstead Wool Blankets and Wall Hangings from Rosehaven Alpaca

TO DRINK
Hard Cider
Wine

Beer and Spirits from GrowNYC's Craft Beverage Pop-up
Egg Nog from Ronnybrook Farm and Ole Mother Hubbert 
Spirits: Gin, Corn Whiskey, Vodka, Unaged Single Malt Whiskey from Orange County Distillery, 1857 Spirits and Hickory Ledges
Beer from From the Ground Brewery, including Pale Ale, Stout and Red Ale
Bitters from Violet Hill Farm

TO EAT
Jams and Preserves
Farmstead Cheeses
Honey 

Herb Wreaths from Stokes
Cookies, Pies and Baked Goods
Maple Syrup, Maple Cotton Candy & Maple Candies

Popcorn from Wildraft Farm and Oak Grove Plantation
Chicken Liver Bourbon Pâté from Yellow Bell Farms 
Soppressata and Cured Chorizo from Walnut Hill
Duck Salami and Prosciutto from Hudson Valley Duck Farm
Bison Jerky from Roaming Acres and Riverine Ranch
Dried & Smoked Chiles & Powdered Spices from Eckerton Hill and Oak Grove Plantation, Lani’s Farm, Campo Rosso, Conuco Farms, Evolutionary Organics, Bradley Farm

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.

Donate A Bag this Thanksgiving

October 17, 2020
Posted in Greenmarket

Greenmarket is partnering with City Harvest, Food Bank of New York City, Community Fridges in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, and other local food rescue organizations to help feed New York City's hungry men, women, and children this Thanksgiving. 

At the markets listed below, buy an extra bag of fresh produce while you shop and donate it at the Market Information tent. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Saturday, November 14th 
City Harvest
Ft. Greene Greenmarket

Monday, November 16th 
Food Bank of New York City
Union Square Greenmarket

Wednesday, November 18th
City Harvest
Union Square Greenmarket

Friday, November 20th
Food Bank of New York City
Union Square Greenmarket

Saturday, November 21st
City Harvest
Union Square Greenmarket

Monday, November 23rd
Community Fridges in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx​
Union Square Greenmarket

 

GrowNYC COVID-19 Response

October 17, 2020
Posted in GrowNYC


COVID Safety Restrictions Update as of June 18, 2021:

GrowNYC has updated our COVID-related safety protocols across Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box sites in accordance with new guidelines from the CDC and New York City and State Departments of Health.

Vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks and social distancing will no longer be enforced. GrowNYC no longer regulates touching/handling produce.

Individual farm businesses may set their own safety requirements; please read signage at stands.

All concerns regarding this policy should be addressed to GrowNYC management via email at info@grownyc.org.


Since the coronavirus pandemic hit New York City, GrowNYC has responded swiftly to the needs of our community.

Deemed essential businesses, we quickly reconfigured our 80+ food access sites to keep them open and safe for shoppers, producers, and staff. ​We are working with community partners to deliver free Fresh Food Boxes to low income New Yorkers who are undocumented, unemployed, or struggling in high need neighborhoods. Additionally, we have been building out distance learning resources to continue to support educators and the general public as learning spaces move remote.

For 50 years now, GrowNYC has been a resource for all New Yorkers who want to improve quality of life and protect the environment. You can continue to rely on us for access to fresh food, education, green spaces and more.

GrowNYC Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box Sites Map and Schedule

GrowNYC's 80+ open-air Greenmarket locations, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box locations are crucial to the 250 regional farmers and producers who sell through them, as well as to the hundreds of thousands of New York City residents who rely on the them as an essential source of fresh, healthy food.  Eighty-five percent of our farms report that they would not be in business if not for the ability to sell directly to New York City shoppers.

As always, SNAP/EBT is accepted at all GrowNYC Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box locations. 

*Some Food Scrap Drop-off Sites are re-opening. See our Compost Program page for updates.

*Some Clothing Collections at Greenmarkets are re-opening. See our Clothing Collection Program page for updates. To schedule a pick-up of textiles for a fee, please contact Wearable Collections

Farmers Markets are Essential Businesses

Farmers markets are open as essential retail busineses while New York State is on P.A.U.S.E. 

GrowNYC Schedule Updates 

View real-time updates on market closures and GrowNYC program schedule changes, and follow us on social media.

Fellow Farmer - Pre-Order and Delivery

Fellow Farmer is a platform that allows customers to pre-order from the farmers market for pickup, or schedule a home delivery. 

Learn more at Fellow Farmer

COVID Guidelines - Market Safety for Shoppers 

We encourage you to please adhere to the following safety protocols to protect yourselves, your fellow shoppers, and our Producers and their employees. 

  • Masks Welcome & Encouraged
  • Unvaccinated Individuals: Masks Required
  • ​Individual Market Stands May Require Masks
  • If you are sick, stay home

Emergency Food Resources

Information about free meals, food pantries, SNAP enrollment, cash assistance, Medicaid, and food delivery assistance available here.

Additionally, GrowNYC is working with community partners to deliver free Fresh Food Boxes to low income New Yorkers who are undocumented, unemployed, or struggling in high need neighborhoods.

Distance Learning Activities and Resources

Due to school closure and social distancing measures, our Education Programs are currently not operating our Zero Waste and Food & Nutrition programs in schools, School Garden workshops and giveaways, Greenmarket tours or Teaching Garden field trips. In the meantime, we've developed a Distance Learning resource page for educators, families, and students of all ages, including our Virtual Teaching Garden, where you can keep up with planting and projects at our Teaching Garden at Governors Island and explore related activities you can do at home.

Recent Press

Bklyner, Food Carts and Trucks Struggle While Farmers Markets Soldier On Under Coronavirus Conditions
Bloomberg, Farmers Markets are a Lifeline to Growers Hurt by Coronavirus 
Boston GlobeCoronavirus Should Shift Our Focus to a More Locally Sourced Food Supply
Brookings Institute, Farmers Markets are Vital During COVID-19, but They Need More Support
CBS New York, Coronavirus Update: NYC Farmers Markets Open With New Safety Guidelines
Eater, NYC’s Farmers Market Can Be a Calming Oasis of Socially Distanced Grocery Shopping
Food & Wine, How to Shop Safely at the Farmer's Market During the Coronavirus Pandemic​
GoopUnion Square Greenmarket
NBCFood Sellers Enforce Social Distancing to Protect Shoppers
NY1How Food Markets Adapt Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic
Pix 11How to Keep Social Distancing at Farmer's Markets
Secret New YorkMost NYC Greenmarkets are Still Open, Here are Their Rules for Shopping Safely
Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Greenmarkets to Remain Open with Precautions in Place
TelemundoMercados al Aire Libre en NYC Siguen Ofreciendo Servicio Pese a Cuarentena
The New York Times, Why Outdoor Farmers' Markets Matter More Than Ever
Time Out New YorkNYC Farmers Markets Stay Open with Strict New Social Distancing Protocols

GrowNYC Needs Your Support 

For nearly 50 years, GrowNYC has made it easy for New Yorkers to take everyday actions that benefit the environment. Serving over 3 million New Yorkers every year, our programs encourage all citizens to lead mindful lives, like eating seasonally and locally, conserving resources, and preserving green space. Please consider a donation of any amount, we need your support now more than ever. 

Greenmarket Thanksgiving Week Schedule

October 17, 2020
Posted in Greenmarket

With the holidays looming, many of us are trying to conceive of how to celebrate, given the challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. 

This year will be particularly difficult for a growing number of New Yorkers as the unemployment rate in the City is nearly four times what it was last year at this time. Studies show that a quarter of the City's population, over 2 million New Yorkers, may currently be experiencing food insecurity. If you are in need of emergency food assistance, call the NYC Emergency Food Line at 1-866-888-8777. And here's a link to our webpage with information about available resources.

Access for every New Yorker to fresh, healthy food is an important part of our mission. From the beginning of this health crisis back in March, GrowNYC's food access points have remained open. We are always evaluating our market operations, intent on providing safe, vibrant spaces in every borough for New Yorkers to shop for nutritious food.  We are, this year more than ever, exceedingly thankful for our GrowNYC community.

We will have some schedule changes to accommodate shopping schedules, see below.

​*Market days with an asterisk mean it's a special market, rescheduled to Tuesday or Wednesday, normally held on a Thursday or Friday, so that customers have an opportunity to shop for Thanksgiving ingredients.

Here's an interactive map to GrowNYC's open-air Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box sites.

Monday, 11/23:
Union Square, MHTN, open 8am-6pm 

Tuesday, 11/24: 
Bronx Borough Hall Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-4pm Last day for the season
Poe Park Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season
Lincoln Hospital Greenmarket, BX, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season 
*Union Sq Greenmarket (Friday producers), MHTN, open 8am-6pm
Astor Place Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-5pm Last day for the season 
Bowling Green Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-5pm
*Columbia University Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-4pm
Fort Washington Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-4pm Last day for the season
Elmhurst Hospital Greenmarket, QNS, open 8am-4pm Last day for the season
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket, BK, open 8am-4pm  
Lenox Hill Fresh Food Box, MHTN, open 2:30pm-6:30pm (must order and pay for box on 11/17)

Wednesday 11/25:  
Morrisania Farmstand, BX, open 10am-3pm Last day for the season 
Bartel-Pritchard Greenmarket, BK, open 8am-3pm 
Woodhull Youthmarket, BK, open 9am-2pm Last day for the season
Corona Greenmarket, QNS, open 8am-3pm Last day for the season 
*97th Street Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-2pm (NO food scrap collections) 
57th Street Greenmarket, MHTN, open Last day for the season 8am-5pm
*Bowling Green Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-5pm 
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3pm 
Mount Sinai Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-5pm Last day for the season 
Parkchester Greenmarket, BX,  open 8am-4pm Last day for the season 
PS 57 Youthmarket, MHTN, open 9:30am-4pm Last day for the season
Tribeca Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-3pm 
*Tucker Square Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-4pm
Union Square Greenmarket, MHTN, open 8am-6pm 
Project HOPE Fresh Food Box open 2pm-6pm (must order and pay for box on 11/18)
Uptown Grand Central Fresh Food Box open 2:30pm-6:30pm (must order and pay for box on 11/18)

Thursday 11/26 & Friday 11/27:
All Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and Fresh Food Box locations closed. No clothing or food scrap collections.
**The Union Square Friday Greenmarket is closed, but Lower East Side Ecology Center will be collecting food scraps at Park and 17th Street. 

Saturday 11/28 & Sunday 12/29
Regular Greenmarket schedule
All Farmstand and Fresh Food Box locations closed. 

 

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