In fall 2023, Bronx farms such as La Finca del Sur—operational since 2009—are harvesting thousands of pounds of fresh produce, directly feeding residents in an area long described as a ‘food desert.’

Bronx urban farms are redefining local food supply, addressing both nutritional needs and community resilience. La Finca del Sur, a women-of-color-led collective near Yankee Stadium, is emblematic of this movement. Established in 2009, the farm occupies just over an acre beside the railroad tracks, yet managed to produce over 7,000 pounds of vegetables, herbs, and fruit this year, including collard greens, eggplants, and sunflowers for distribution at local markets and donation centers.

Rising food insecurity rates have underscored the importance of local agriculture in the Bronx, one of New York City’s most underserved boroughs regarding fresh produce. Organizations such as The Bronx Green-Up, the outreach program of The New York Botanical Garden, have supported more than 20 active community farms and gardens throughout the borough, providing technical training, seeds, compost, and hands-on mentorship to urban growers.

Partnerships between farms like La Finca del Sur, local schools, and food pantries—including the BronxWorks food assistance program and the NYC Health + Hospitals/ Lincoln—expand the reach of fresh harvests into neighborhoods that need them most. This fall, volunteers and farm staff are working weekends to ensure that produce makes it swiftly from city soil to kitchen tables, supporting thousands of Bronx residents who rely on local sources for healthy food.

These initiatives are not only about food, they are about stewardship, education, and local empowerment. Farm-based workshops, youth internships, and cultural events at spaces like Brook Park and Friends of Brook Park foster environmental awareness and create green jobs in a borough that has long struggled with both unemployment and environmental injustice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many urban farms are currently operating in the Bronx?

There are more than 20 active urban farms and community gardens across the Bronx. These range from small school-based plots to larger community-run farms like La Finca del Sur and Brook Park, all contributing fresh produce and educational programming to the borough.

Who benefits from the produce grown by Bronx urban farms?

Produce from Bronx urban farms is distributed to local residents through farmers markets, food pantries, community-supported agriculture (CSA) shares, and direct donations to organizations like BronxWorks and local healthcare providers, reaching thousands of households each season.

What kind of produce is grown in Bronx urban farms during the fall?

Fall harvests typically include collard greens, kale, eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, herbs, and even some late-season fruits. These crops are chosen for their adaptability to the urban environment and their popularity within the community.

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