BROWNSVILLE (NEW YORK) – Thursday, September 30, 2021 – The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH) is thrilled to share news of the grand opening of our newest urban farm, Eastern Parkway Farm. This event will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 10 AM-12 PM. Eastern Parkway Farm, which we have leased through NYC Housing, Preservation, & Development, had spent the past 30 years as a vacant lot but is now one of TCAH’s latest projects to expand our urban farming efforts. Our farm department leadership, Green Teens (youth trained in urban farming), and volunteers have been essential in preparing this greenspace. Together with our supporters, neighbors, and partners, we will celebrate the inauguration of this land with food, drink, and fun for all.
This agricultural space will add 5,000 square feet of land for urban farming and provide fresh produce for our neighbors in Brownsville and beyond. Brownsville and surrounding zip codes have struggled disproportionately from diet-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Our cultivation strategies include addressing these disparities and promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. At every opportunity, we strive to use all-natural production methods in line with the principles of organic farming so that we can improve the health of both the land and our neighbors.
Dr. Melony Samuels, TCAH Chief Executive Officer, said, “The Campaign Against Hunger is committed to infusing heart-healthy fruits and vegetables into communities that are far too often overlooked and starved of affordable, nutritious food options. The opening of Eastern Parkway Farm is just the most recent example of our work to advance food justice.”
“Ending food deserts and addressing food insecurities is critical to the health of our neighbors and communities. EmblemHealth is proud to partner with The Campaign Against Hunger to provide a sustainable, community-based approach to feeding our city, not only during these challenging times but for years to come,” said Karen Ignagni, President and CEO at EmblemHealth.
The Campaign Against Hunger has mobilized to meet the needs of our community by improving access to nutritious food and related resources. In the year following March 2020, we have provided enough food for 25 million meals—this is nearly six times the capacity of a typical year for us. We are living through a crisis, but we are growing a healthier community through our urban farming efforts.
For more information, please contact Racquel Grant.
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View the official press release here.
