GrowNYC Fresh Solutions for Food Insecurity in NYC

 

Today we’re highlighting GrowNYC’s Farmstand network. Keep reading to learn more about this essential food access program!

 GrowNYC Farmstand sites provide essential food access

Pictured: GrowNYC's Crown Heights Farmstand

The big picture: Disparities in access to healthy foods are well documented across New York City with the most limited access being experienced in the most underserved neighborhoods.

How GrowNYC helps: Our Farmstand program provides weekly opportunities in underserved communities to purchase local fresh fruits, vegetables, and food staples at below market costs. Prices are lowered even more through our acceptance of all nutrition benefits and matching program.

How do we keep prices low? 

• We transparently buy food through GrowNYC’s Food Hub. By purchasing in bulk and subsidizing our distribution costs through fundraising, we’re able to pass the savings on to New Yorkers.

• All our food access sites, including Farmstand, accept nutrition benefits such as SNAP/EBT, WIC and Senior FMNP, Health Bucks, and HealthFirst OTC (select plans).

• SNAP/EBT recipients also qualify for a daily Health Bucks match of up to $10 for fresh fruits and vegetables, further boosting their purchasing power!

• At the end of each day, all unsold food is donated to deeply-rooted community groups at the forefront of fighting hunger locally.

Why it matters: Farmstand promotes a more equitable food system by ensuring farmers receive fair prices, reducing food miles, and making high-quality, local food accessible to underserved communities at affordable prices.

Or click this link

Support Our Work 

We’re thankful for you!

Your generosity is the driving force behind all that we do.

Thank you for helping us support local farmers and ensure that the fresh, healthy food they grow is accessible to every New Yorker, regardless of income or neighborhood.

Or visit grownyc.org/donate

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

 

We have exciting news for prospective college students in our borough. From October 21st to November 3rd, The State University of New York (SUNY) will waive up to five application fees per student across its 64 colleges and universities. The City University of New York (CUNY) is also waiving application fees for all 25 campuses for high school seniors attending New York City public schools from October 21st to November 15th and for all New York State residents applying as college freshmen from November 4th to November 15th. This initiative not only alleviates financial barriers but also empowers our students to pursue their dreams of higher education. We encourage every high school senior to take advantage of this opportunity to explore their college options without the burden of application costs. From all of us at Bronx Borough Hall, we wish our aspiring college students and their families success during this transformative time.

We also invite you to join us for some weekend fun! Come out to our Halloween Skate Party on Friday, October 25th, at Loreto Playground at 4 PM for a night of skating and fun festivities.

Then, don’t miss our Silent Disco on Saturday, October 26th at 4 PM at Fordham Plaza. Bring your friends and family for a weekend filled with excitement and community spirit!

Lastly, let’s give the Yankees a huge congratulations on making it to the World Series! We’re proud of our Bronx Bombers and can’t wait to cheer them on as they strive for another championship. 



If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

The Bronx was alive with pride and tradition at the 38th Annual Puerto Rican Day Parade!

It was a joy to see our community come together to celebrate Nuestra Música Folklórica, Bomba y Plena.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special and for keeping the spirit of Puerto Rican heritage thriving in our borough!

¡Que Viva Puerto Rico!

Earlier this week, we attended the Cap the Cross Bronx press conference, addressing the long-standing impacts of the Cross Bronx Expressway. For decades, it has divided communities, harmed public health, and reflected systemic environmental inequities. With federal funding, we are committed to gathering community input on how to undo this injustice. Together, we look forward to reimagining the Cross Bronx in a way that reconnects neighborhoods and promotes health and equity for all.

We had a wonderful time celebrating Italian heritage at the Schiff Family Great Hall in the Bronx Zoo!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in honoring the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Italian American community. It was a night filled with pride, community, and celebration!

On NYC Go Purple Day, we partnered with the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence and the District Attorney’s Office to distribute information on services for clients. We continue to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage anyone who needs help to please call the NYC Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.

UPCOMING EVENTS