Urban farming for the future: celebrating Earth Day with Harlem Grown

Harlem Grown provided 69,044 servings of food and engaged with more than 1,000 students in 2021

The Independent
Apr 21, 2022

Excerpt:

Tony Hillery stood in the middle of Harlem in New York City and examined the land that he had been cleared to work.

It was, for lack of a better phrase, a dumping ground. Though far from pristine farmland, Mr Hillery knew that he could grow something in the space.

In the 11 years since Mr Hillery began working on the site, he and members of his organisation, Harlem Grown, have transformed the land, and several other spots across the borough.

The volunteer-driven project has now created a network of thriving urban farms that aim to teach and empower local children while combatting food insecurity.

Harlem Grown currently operates 12 agricultural sites and maintains partnerships with five Harlem school districts.

The Independent has partnered with Harlem Grown to celebrate the organisation’s achievements and to mark Earth Day on 22nd April. Staff from The Independent will join Harlem Grown in May to volunteer their time at the farms. Those who wish to join The Independent in its support for Harlem Grown, can donate to the organisation through its website.

Harlem Grown is not your typical community garden. Rather than sectioning off plots of land to individual gardeners, the project invites its elementary school “farmers” and their families to work together to grow a variety of crops during Saturday workshops.

Read the complete article here.