This urban farming teacher is helping Bronx students connect to the earth and each other
Through what we grow on the farm, we are able to give back to the community. Just this year, we’ve been able to donate thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local food banks.
By Amy Zimmer
Chalkbeat
Jan 20, 2022
Excerpt:
We need more farmers to continue making enough food to sustain our population. In turn, it provides our students with professional training and certification so that they can choose to enter the workforce after graduation or continue with their studies into college. The urban farming aspect brings fresh, organic, and locally grown food to areas that might typically not have access to those things. We have the most amazing farm manager, Hector Bardeguez, who loves working with the kids, has an extensive sustainable farming background, and who I absolutely could not do this without!
We currently have over 15 raised beds that are primarily used for crops, as well as a pollinator garden with various flowers and herbs. Students have the opportunity to practice sustainable, organic, eco-friendly farming by working the farm through all seasons and using it as an outdoor classroom. We have built community partnerships with Bronx Green Up at the New York Botanical Garden, Small Axe Peppers, Morning Glory, and Montefiore [Medical Center], which all help to extend students’ learning. We’re also a Summer Youth Employment Program, or SYEP, site, so many students get paid through their internships and work experience, which can be incredibly helpful to many of our families. Not to mention the excellent fresh food they bring home!
