A new youth-run farmstand was recently launched in Eastchester, which will give children the opportunity to sell fresh fruits and vegetables,
GrowNYC in partnership with L+M Development Partners, Camber Property Group, MBD Community Housing Corp and the Baychester Resident Association organized the farmstand.
The GrowNYC Farmstand
Speaker Carl Heastie, Councilman Andy King, Chairman of Community Board 12 William Hall and others joined representatives from GrowNYC and L+M Development Partners for the opening ceremony, which took place at the Farmstand’s permanent home at East 229th Street and Schieffelin Avenue.
“Our mission at L+M Development Partners is about more than building affordable housing,” said Gingi Pica, director of community investment at L+M Development Partners. “We also strive to be a partner, good neighbor and help to build strong communities for the New Yorkers we serve. We are proud to fund this innovative community farmstand, which will provide Bronx youth with an opportunity to learn to manage a small business while also supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to their neighbors in a community with limited access to healthy food options. We are especially grateful to the partnership and support of GrowNYC, Speaker Heastie, Council Member King, Community Board 12, Camber Property Group, MBD Community Housing Corp., the Baychester Resident Association and everyone else who have come together to make the Eastchester Farmstand a reality.”
In addition to teaching participants about promotion, merchandising and customer service skills, this Farmstand will increase the availability of fresh produce in Eastchester.
The Eastchester Farmstand will be open to the public every Thursday through Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cash, SNAP/EBT, P-EBT, debit/credit and Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks are accepted. SNAP/EBT/P-EBT users, for every $5 you spend, get a $2 bonus in Health Bucks, coupons that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at any NY farmers market.
“We are so grateful to our community partners in Eastchester for supporting our food access efforts,” said GrowNYC President and CEO Marcel Van Ooyen. “This new Farmstand not only provides Eastchester youth with employment opportunities and experience, but it also promotes local agriculture, and provides the neighborhood with access to healthy farm-fresh food.”
