Marlboro Greenhouse Urban Agriculture Education Center
The Marlboro Agricultural Education Center (MAEC), also known as the Marlboro Greenhouse, will transform food access, workforce development, and health equity in the Coney Island community. Located at the NYCHA Marlboro Houses, this 8,000-square-foot facility will integrate sustainable food production, education, and community space to address urgent food insecurity and promote food sovereignty.
Purpose
Marlboro and surrounding neighborhoods are classified as food deserts, with residents experiencing high rates of hunger and diet-related illnesses. The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH), one of NYC’s largest and most innovative anti-hunger organizations, has been awarded city capital funding to establish this hub, advancing food and health equity for low-income families.
Features of Marlboro
Greenhouse
4,000 sq ft - Hydroponics, aquaponics, and shallow soil systems for year-round food production.
Teaching Kitchen
300 sq ft - Fully functional kitchen for cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and demonstrations.
Community Multipurpose Room
1,100 sq ft / 74-person capacity - Flexible space for trainings, events, and winter marketplace activities.
Indoor Market
200 sq ft- Year-round fresh food marketplace.
Support Spaces
1,100 sq ft / 74-person capacity - Flexible space for trainings, events, and winter marketplace activities.
Sustainable Systems
Rainwater collection, energy-efficient building systems, potential solar PV and geothermal heating/cooling.
Community Benefits:
- Fresh, locally grown produce for thousands of families.
- Multi-generational hub for community health, learning, and culture.
- Pathways to green jobs and culinary careers for local youth and adults.
-  A model of resilience and sustainability in one of Brooklyn’s most food-insecure neighborhoods. The Marlboro Greenhouse will be a lasting investment in food, health, and opportunity designed to uplift families today and build resilience for tomorrow
Project Location
Marlboro in the News
The Marlboro Greenhouse – Urban Agriculture Education Center will be a transformative anchor in one of Brooklyn’s most food-insecure communities, yet to fully realize its vision, we urgently need additional financial support. Rising costs and the scale of programming demand investments beyond secured city capital funds. By contributing, elected, donors and public partners will help ensure that this 8,000-square-foot hub opens its doors equipped to produce over 20,000 pounds of fresh food annually, train youth for green careers, provide health and nutrition education to seniors and families, and offer a sustainable marketplace for thousands of NYCHA residents.
