Brooklyn Public Schools Bring Local Harvests to Cafeterias This Fall

• Over 1,800 NYC public schools now participate in the local produce program.
• GrowNYC and the NYC Department of Education coordinate sourcing from New York State farms.
• The program launched in full citywide rollout in October 2023.

For many Brooklyn students, autumn now means biting into Empire apples from the Hudson Valley or tasting roasted butternut squash from Long Island—all without leaving their cafeteria. The New York City Department of Education, in collaboration with GrowNYC, recently scaled up its farm-to-school program, ensuring that seasonal, regionally sourced produce is a staple of daily lunches across Brooklyn and beyond.

The local sourcing initiative answers the call for healthier school meals and boosts the region’s agricultural economy. According to the DOE’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services, over 30% of the produce now served citywide is grown in New York State. This shift not only supports local farmers but also gives students more nutritious and flavorful options. At P.S. 15 in Red Hook, for example, food service staff recently featured roasted carrots from Orange County and crisp salad greens from a Brooklyn rooftop farm.

School officials and advocates like Edible Schoolyard NYC hope that familiarizing students with regional foods creates lasting habits. “When kids recognize where their food comes from, they’re more likely to try—and enjoy—it,” says Sarah Brannen, director of food policy at GrowNYC. Teachers have even incorporated harvest days into classroom curricula, with lessons on nutrition and sustainability.

The momentum reflects New York City’s broader food equity agenda. Beyond the cafeteria, local policymakers—including Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso—have called for more transparent supply chains and greater investment in urban-rural food systems. As the leaves turn in Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s schoolchildren are experiencing the flavors of their own state, one lunch tray at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Brooklyn schools are participating in the local produce program?

Nearly all public elementary, middle, and high schools in Brooklyn are now part of the initiative, including schools like P.S. 15 in Red Hook and P.S. 321 in Park Slope. The New York City Department of Education has included over 1,800 schools citywide, with Brooklyn boasting one of the highest participation rates.

What types of local produce are served in Brooklyn cafeterias?

Seasonal offerings include apples, squash, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, and salad greens. The selection varies by season and is sourced from farms in New York State and, occasionally, from urban farms within Brooklyn itself. Menus are updated monthly to reflect harvest availability.

How does sourcing local produce benefit Brooklyn students and farmers?

Students enjoy fresher, more nutritious meals, while local farms receive greater market access and support. The program encourages healthy eating habits in children and strengthens regional food systems. It also reduces the environmental impact of food transport, benefiting the broader community.