Kids in NYC food deserts continue hydroponic farming education at home
If we eat healthier and stop eating all this junk food, we will live a longer life, and I’m sure that everyone in this world would like a longer life,” said Miguel, Grade 10.
Hort Daily
May 14, 2021
Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ), a nonprofit with a mission to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to fresh and healthy food through youth-led, school-based hydroponic farming, is helping kids living in NYC’s food deserts continue growing nutritious produce and engaging with food justice content during the pandemic. By imparting cutting-edge urban agriculture techniques through a home-based model, TFFJ has engaged more than 450 middle and high school students in growing fresh produce hydroponically at home and with the ability to share this food, these growing practices, and this important conversation with their families during these challenging times.
Through hydroponic farming, nutrition, and food justice advocacy education emphasizing the importance of a healthy food system for all, TFFJ has helped bring fresh produce to New York City communities that need it most since its creation in 2013. During the pandemic and the challenges presented by school closures, it has helped students to continue to make the connection between growing food and combating food insecurity even when they are not physically able to be on their school-based farms.
