GrowNYC's 2019 Compost Giveaway

April 5, 2019

From May 24 to June 5, the GrowNYC Compost Program will give out free ready-to-use compost to participants who drop off their food scraps. Finished compost is a natural fertilizer that you can apply to houseplants and outdoor plants. The distributed compost is courtesy of the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and made out of residential food scraps and yard waste from New York City. For more information about getting compost from DSNY, visit nyc.gov/getcompost

Please see below for the schedule of Compost Giveaway events and refer to the Compost Program Schedule for site-specific hours. Note: additional dates for giveaways at seasonal locations will be announced soon.

The compost distribution will take place during food scrap drop-off hours at each site, while supplies last. In an effort to reuse, reduce, and recycle, we are asking participants to bring their own container. Bring a coffee beans bag, shopping bag, brown bag, cereal bag, clamshell, etc. to fill with loose compost on the day of the Compost Giveaway at your food scrap drop-off site.

 

2019 Compost Giveaway Schedule

 

Friday, May 24
149th Street Compost On-The-Go  
161st Street Compost On-The-Go
Brook Avenue Compost On-The-Go· 
    
Saturday, May 25
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket
Inwood Greenmarket
Staten Island Mall Greenmarket
Saint George Greenmarket
    
Sunday, May 26
Carroll Gardens Greenmarket
Cortelyou Greenmarket

Tuesday, May 28
Bowling Green Greenmarket
Lenox Hill Fresh Food Box

Wednesday, May 29
96th Street Compost On-The-Go
116th Street Compost On-The-Go
137th Street City College - Compost On-The-Go
145th Street Compost On-The-Go
157th Street Compost On-The-Go         
181st Street Compost On-The-Go    
Cathedral Parkway (110th Street) Compost On-The-Go
Central Park North (110th Street) Compost On-The-Go
Dyckman Street Compost On-The-Go
Project H.O.P.E Fresh Food Box
Uptown Grand Central Fresh Food Box

Thursday, May 30
BronxWorks Fresh Food Box
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket
Columbia Greenmarket
Nos Quedamos Public Food Scrap Drop-Off Site
Parkside Plaza Compost On-The-Go
Tucker Square Greenmarket

Friday, May 31
97th Street Greenmarket

Saturday, June 1
57th Street Greenmarket
82nd Street Greenmarket
462 Halsey Community Farm Fresh Food Box
Abingdon Square Greenmarket
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket
Fort Greene Greenmarket
McCarren Park Greenmarket
TriBeCa Greenmarket
Tucker Square Greenmarket

Sunday, June 2
79th Street Greenmarket
Columbia Greenmarket
Tompkins Square Greenmarket

Wednesday, June 5
57th Street Greenmarket
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket
TriBeCa Greenmarket

 

Remembering GrowNYC's Founder, Marian S. Heiskell

March 17, 2019

It is with a heavy heart that we write to report the passing of our beloved founder and honorary chairwoman Marian S. Heiskell. Her vision of, and passion for, a cleaner greener NYC led to the creation of our organization in the Mayor’s Office in 1970. She tirelessly worked to raise funds and awareness in service of more green space, recycling, education, and Greenmarkets. Her wisdom, strength, generosity, and especially her kindness will be missed greatly. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives touched by all the great work she enabled.   

Truly hers was a life well lived because it was in service of others.

You can read more about Marian Heiskell's accomplishments and legacy in her New York Times obituary.

Groceries for Good

March 15, 2019
Posted in GrowNYC

Please join GrowNYC for the Whole Foods 5% Day Community Giving Program on Thursday, April 18. 5% of all sale proceeds made at Whole Foods Market locations in Manhattan will go to GrowNYC – supporting neighborhood Youthmarkets, food access programs, community gardens, recycling and environmental education for youth. GrowNYC staff will be present at select Whole Foods Market locations sharing information. Save the date and spread the word!

It Takes a Metropolis

March 9, 2019


Every year hundreds of everyday heroes help guide their fellow New Yorkers down the path to zero waste by keeping clothing and food scraps out of landfills, reusing items too good to toss, and by adopting new habits to reduce waste and recycle more.  Check out our new video to peek into the exciting world of our zero waste volunteers and the invaluable work that they do! Itching to get involved? Follow the link to sign up for an upcoming orientation or opportunity: http://bit.ly/recycleopps

International Women's Day

March 8, 2019

People throughout the world are celebrating advancements in gender equality today, International Women’s Day.

At GrowNYC, we are thrilled to report that, as of last November, 54% of businesses that sell at our Greenmarkets are either owned or co-owned by women (nationally, women comprise 30% of farmers in America).

Check out this slideshow of female Greenmarket Farmers. You go, girl – today and every day!

Greenmarket International Women's Day

 

 

GrowNYC Grains Online Auction & Home Bakers Meet-Up

February 13, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket | Tagged Grains

Break bread with GrowNYC Grains and your fellow home bakers! Bakers of all experience levels are welcome to swap samples with fellow grain geeks and share secrets on how to get a really crusty crust. Some of New York City's best professional bakers from Runner & Stone, Bread Alone, Lost Bread, and She Wolf will also be on hand to talk tips and techniques.

GrowNYC Grains Home Bakers Meet-Up
Monday, March 4
Project Farmhouse, 76 East 13th Street (at 4th Avenue), MHTN
6-9pm
Tickets here

Visit our online silent auction to bid on incredible experiences and products, including a market shopping trip with Alex Raij and a Breville Mixer.

Bring a loaf of your favorite home baked bread, made with locally-grown grains and flours, and copies of your recipe and/or starter to trade with others.

Tickets include event entry and one drink.

Purchase grains and flours from the GrowNYC Grainstand at the Union Square Greenmarket on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and other locations listed here.

All proceeds benefit GrowNYC Grains.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Family Storytime & Cooking March 9

February 12, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket

MC Veggie Fresh Rocks the Mic + GrowNYC 
Storytime and Cooking Demonstration

Saturday, March 9
Project Farmhouse, 76 East 13th Street (at 4th Avenue), MHTN
10-11:30am 
Tickets here Price: $14.00 for the first child, $7 each additional child. Parents FREE.

MC Veggie Fresh Rocks the Mic Workshop with author Shanon Morris and GrowNYC. Join us for a reading and interactive nutrition education workshop that will transform your little ones into official Veggie Fresh Crew members! The event is for children ages 5-11 years old.

In this workshop your child will participate in:

  • Interactive book reading and signing of MC Veggie Fresh Rocks the Mic. (Book is included in your admission price)
  • Hip Hop Nutrition activity
  • Recipe demonstration

MC Veggie Fresh Rocks the Mic is a blend of nutrition and Hip Hop that makes talking about healthy eating fun for children and the adults reading with them. The story follows a young girl named Clementine in Harlem as she struggles to figure out what to write for her Healthy Hero Election speech. As she overcomes her fears and battles her rotten competition, Edgar and his Junk Food Friends, she transforms into MC Veggie Fresh to rock the mic at the Healthy Hero Election.

Author Bio:

Shanon Morris is a Registered Dietitian, who has been working with communities from children to senior citizens for the last decade with the goal of making nutrition education relatable, accessible and enjoyable for all. Today, she holds the position of Senior Director of Community Impact at the American Heart Association. Shanon studied Nutritional Sciences at Howard University and Nutrition and Exercise Science at Columbia University, giving her the tools to influence behavioral change not only in her own neighborhood of Harlem but all of New York City

GrowNYC Seasonal Job Fair March 11

February 5, 2019
Posted in GrowNYC

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 over 40 years ago, and we operate farmers marketsYouthmarketsfood scrap collection locationsFresh Food Box distribution points, 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, come to our job fair and meet our team!

At the GrowNYC 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.

You bring your resume, and we’ll provide the snacks. And raffle prizes!

GrowNYC Seasonal Job Fair
Monday, March 11
Project Farmhouse, 76 East 13th Street (at 4th Avenue), MHTN
5:30-7:30pm
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.

 

 

GrowNYC Grains 2018 Year in Review

January 25, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket | Tagged Grains

Grains 2018 Year in Review

It was another action-packed year, with new projects sprouting up daily, as the staple crop revolution continues to take root across the country.

Our intrepid leader June Russell traveled the country to share lessons from the front lines at several key conferences, starting with her keynote address at the Cascadia Grains Conference in Olympia, Washington. We also attended:

We love sharing our story, offering lessons learned, and gaining inspiration from the many folks we meet.

2018 Year in Grains

In February, Greenmarket bakers – those who participate in our program and sell at our markets – met to learn about new resources for baking local, as well as to discuss increasing the percentage of local flour we require bakers to use from 15% to 25%. Greenmarket bakers average 38% local flour and use over 65,000 pounds of local grains and flour each month. We are proud of the progress they have made, and we’re excited that it gives us still more proof that supply and demand are steadily rising.

At the end of the month we relaunched our Home Bakers Meet-Up as an annual event, giving beginners and skilled home bakers a place to show off their goods, compare notes with their peers, and chat with professional bakers. This year we are hosting the annual meet-up on March 4th,. Click here for tickets and more information.  

Fields of grain in the City? Not exactly. But in 2018 we collaborated with GrowNYC’s Governors Island Teaching Garden and NYU Urban Farm Lab to plant several varieties of small grains. We were thrilled to see sheaves of grain in the most urban setting of all. We look forward to more collaborations, so keep an eye out for more GrowNYC mini-grain farms around the city.

In May we welcomed to market Ulli’s Oil Mill. Look out for Ulli’s high quality organic, local, cold-pressed oils--like hemp, camelina, and pumpkin seed--sourced from New York farms, coming soon to GrowNYC’s Union Square Greenmarket and other weekend Greenmarkets. 

In June we moved our granary to Industry City. We now have more space to co-pack and stage for our markets. We are getting to know our amazing neighbors at IC, many of whom are emailing us for drop-in shopping appointments.

In July, the GrowNYC Grains team took an awesome road trip through the Hudson Valley. We explored the innovative ways farmers, brewers, and bakers are incorporating the burgeoning bounty of northeastern grains into their breads, beers, and fields. Check out our previous post on the grains scene of Columbia and Greene counties.

September brought the Culinary Breeding Network’s Variety Showcase to Project Farmhouse for a dazzling afternoon. GrowNYC Grains was thrilled to host, for the first time on the East Coast, this annual breeder-to-eater celebration, where chefs created dishes spotlighting over 20 breeding projects from around the country. Grains were well represented. Gramercy Tavern's Michael Anthony, who was a grant partner with us on a prior USDA project, featured emmer alongside wheat breeder Mark Sorrells from Cornell University. Pat Hayes and his team from Oregon State University, alongside Metta head Chef Norberto Piattoni, featured their work in hull-less (or “naked”) barley. We were also thrilled to have folks come out from The Bread Lab of Washington State University.

We took advantage of the time we had with our west coast colleagues by hosting a barley tasting the very next day. Guests at the special gathering at Threes Brewing in Brooklyn learned about the Oregon-based field trials of several varieties of naked barley and tasted the grain in both crackers and delicious malted barley tea. Mark Sorrells and his team at Cornell, also a partner on the naked barley project, harvested the first 1500 lbs from their research fields in Ithaca, NY. We introduced buck, streaker and purple barley to New York consumers. Look for more in the coming years as we scale up new varieties. 

October was all about rye. The second annual New York Rye Week fell mid-month, giving rye lovers exciting events around the clock. For our part, we hosted Rye Day at the Union Square Greenmarket. New York Distilling showcased its Empire rye whiskey, and others offered up an impressive array of rye beers, breads, and pastas.

In December, we were the lucky beneficiaries of a superb grains-themed dinner at Mettā, in Brooklyn. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Chef Norberto Piattoni, who thrilled us with dishes using ingredients from seven different grain farms and mills. And a huge thank you to Breukelen Distilling as well, for providing their rye whiskey as the base of a delicious Manhattan cocktail. And, of course, thanks to everyone who came out for this very special evening.

Last but not least… at the end of December, after three and a half years with GrowNYC Grains, Henry Blair worked his last day with us before heading off to new and exciting career projects. Henry was instrumental in helping launch and stabilize our retail program. During his tenure, he developed many relationships with chefs and bakers at market, assisting them to integrate local grains into their products. We will miss him and wish him the best in his new pursuits.

Visit GrowNYC's First Indoor Greenmarket!

January 18, 2019
Posted in Greenmarket | Tagged farmers market, Manhattan

Greenmarket at the Oculus

It’s been a big week for GrowNYC’s Greenmarkets – the first day of our first indoor market was wonderful!

On Tuesday, January 15th, the Greenmarket at the Oculus moved indoors to the delight of downtown residents, tourists, shoppers, and commuters crossing through.

You can find Greenmarket producers including Samascott Orchards, Meredith’s Bread, Francesca’s Bakery, 1857 Spirits, Riverine Ranch, and (soon) Roxbury Mountain Maple inside the Oculus every Tuesday this season.

Come on by! 

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