City Harvest Programs » Healthy Neighborhoods
Urban Food Systems
Access and distribution of healthy foods is a large problem to tackle in New York City. Through the Healthy Neighborhoods program, we support a variety of solutions, depending on the needs and assets of the community. City Harvest works in partnership to support programs that provide regular access to healthy foods through existing or new retail ventures, alternative solutions, and advocating with civic leaders to bring food access to the forefront. We help to make these programs self-sustaining by focusing on developing neighborhood leadership, support through technical assistance, evaluation, and other resources.
The first thing I would do is to be in agreement to not purchase these (bad) foods. If we as a community unite, and do something, slowly the good things will take the place of the bad things.
– CFA focus group participant
Partnerships
• The Department of Health and the Healthy Bodegas Initiative is partnering with City Harvest to focus on bodegas in our Healthy Neighborhoods. Currently, City Harvest volunteer chefs and nutritionists conduct cooking demonstrations at bodegas to showcase nutritious options.
• The South Bronx Food Co-op is a new venture in the South Bronx. City Harvest has supported them to open their doors to the public, and is excited for this new outlet of healthy food for the area.
• The Montefiore School Health Program (MSHP) has worked with City Harvest on nutrition programs, the Mount Hope CFA, and creative solutions (including CSAs, gardens, and farmers markets) to increase access to healthy foods in Mount Hope, Bronx.
• In July 2009, Harvest Home Farmers Market, Inc. was invited by MSHP and City Harvest to host the new Echo Park Farmers Market in Mount Hope. The new farmers market is comprised of three local farmers accepting EBT/Food Stamps, Health Bucks, and WIC and is operated by Harvest Home.
• Just Food has a wealth of resources on local, healthy food in New York City.
