Featured Farmer: East New York Farms

East New York Farms

Mission

East New York Farms Project mission is to organize youth and adults to address food justice in our community.  They do this by promoting local sustainable agriculture and community-led economic development. East New York Farms! is a project of the United Community Centers in partnership with local residents.

From:   www.eastnewyorkfarms.org

East NY Farms Programs

Farmers’ Market

Our two community-run farmers markets make fresh food available and affordable, while building our local economy and creating places for neighbors for meet and greet.

Urban Agriculture

We grow food for our community and provide support to help others do the same. We manage two urban farms (the UCC Youth Farm and Hands and Heart Garden) and work with an ever-growing network of over fifty gardeners representing over a dozen community and backyard gardens throughout East New York.

Youth Internship

Over 20 young people participate in our Internship Program every year. In this intensive 9-month program, young people engage in hands-on learning around environment, health, community development, leadership and social justice.

Community Support Agriculture (CSA)

Through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) we create a direct buying relationship between consumers and regional farmers. Customers buy a share in the farm and receive weekly packages of fresh produce at discounted prices.

Highlight of the Youth Program, from Deborah Grieg (deborah@eastnewyorkfarms.org):

One youth that stands out is Jannatul Rahman. She is from Bangledesh, and when she first started with us, she was 14 and was not comfortable with English. She has since worked with us for 2 years as a Youth Intern, growing food in our 1/2 acre site for the farmer’s market, and working with neighborhood gardeners. This past season she helped to manage a nearby garden, independently taking care of chickens and veggies and running tours with neighborhood kids. She is now applying to colleges for pre med and wants to have her own production spot so that she can sell at the market.

***For more information about the Youth Internship, programs, and to visit the markets at East NY Farms, go to http://www.eastnewyorkfarms.org/