Transforming Vacant Lots into a Vibrant Urban Farm

Free Seed to Supper classes will be held

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County (CCE Monroe) is thrilled to announce a collaborative effort to transform vacant lots into a flourishing urban farm in the heart of the Northeast Quadrant. An expansion of CCE Monroe’s South Lawn Project, started in 2022, this project aims to address food insecurity, support workforce development, and foster community resilience.

The build-out of the Remington Street Farm, 35 cinder block raised beds across 5 vacant lots on the block between Ketchum and Morrill Streets, is scheduled to take place on April 24th, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the development of this important initiative. With generous support from the Avangrid Foundation, the primary philanthropic arm of RG&E’s parent company Avangrid, volunteers from RG&E and Avangrid, along with community members and program participants, will gather to build the foundation for a sustainable urban agriculture project that will serve as a valuable resource for the neighborhood.

The project aims to have immediate impact. Free Seed to Supper classes will be held at the Lincoln Library, a block from the farm, on Monday afternoons from 4:30pm-6:00pm, starting May 15th. This program, led by Master Gardeners, offers 5 weeks of classroom and hands-on training for any community member interested in growing their own food. Free space for community farmers to grow and expert support from CCE Monroe will also be available at the Remington Street Farm throughout the season. Any additional produce will be donated to local food pantries, and classes on cooking, nutrition, and food preservation will be held at the People’s Pantry.

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