The New York City Council, under the leadership of Speaker Adrienne Adams, has earmarked $5.3 million for the establishment of hydroponic labs in public schools across the boroughs. This initiative aims to introduce urban agriculture and climate education to students, fostering a new generation of scientists, urban farmers, and climate activists.
Manuela Zamora, Executive Director of New York Sun Works, lauded the decision: “We wholeheartedly thank Speaker Adrienne Adams and the City Council Members for this significant commitment in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. This investment in hydroponic farm technology and climate education will be instrumental in equipping our city’s schools to address sustainability science, climate change, and food insecurity.”
The City Council Members championing this cause include Joanna Ariola, Alexa Aviles, Diana Ayala, Gale A. Brewer, Tiffany Caban, Eric Dinowitz, Amanda Farias, Jennifer Gutierrez, Shahana Hanif, Crystal Hudson, Kristin Richardson Jordan, Shekar Krishnan, Farah Louis, Christopher Marte, Julie Menin, Francisco Moya, Mercedes Narcisse, Sandy Nurse, Vickie Paladino, Keith Powers, Lincoln Restler, Kevin Riley, Rafael Salamanca, Pierina Sanchez, Lynn Schulman, Sandra Ung, Marjorie Velazquez, and Julie Won.
The allocated funds will facilitate the construction of new labs through the School Construction Authority, providing students with hands-on urban farming experiences.
Zamora further commented, “While New York Sun Works is not the direct recipient of this funding, we are thrilled by the City Council’s vision. We are also grateful to our local elected leaders for their continued support, ensuring that organizations like ours can continue to assist over 100,000 students in 250 partner schools. This transformative commitment promises to enhance the learning experiences of countless students, enriching their academic and personal growth.”
Image provided by NY Sun Works
