Brooklyn Public Schools Launch Farm-to-Tray Lunches with GrowNYC This Fall

• Farm-to-tray program begins in Fall 2024 across over 100 Brooklyn schools.
• GrowNYC and NYC Department of Education lead the sourcing initiative.
• More than 60% of produce will come from farms within 250 miles of New York City.

Brooklyn’s school cafeterias will look—and taste—different this fall, as the borough’s Department of Education partners with nonprofit GrowNYC to launch a sweeping farm-to-tray initiative. Parents and students from Park Slope to Brownsville can expect crisp apples from Hudson Valley orchards, sweet corn from Long Island, and leafy greens harvested just days before. This marks the city’s largest farm-to-school expansion to date, building on smaller pilot programs that previously reached only select neighborhoods.

Supporters argue that the shift is about more than flavor: it’s a strategic investment in both public health and the regional agricultural economy. Polly Fong, nutrition director for Brooklyn’s District 15, says, “We’re nourishing kids while giving local farmers stable orders—everyone wins.” Under the new policy, at least 60% of non-processed fruits and vegetables served in cafeterias will be grown within 250 miles of New York City, reducing transportation emissions and ensuring fresher meals.

For Brooklyn’s diverse student body, the change is tangible. Cafeteria manager Rosa Martinez at P.S. 321 reports early enthusiasm: “Students notice the difference. The roasted carrots are sweeter, the salads more colorful. Plus, we’re able to tie in lessons about where food comes from.” The educational component includes classroom visits from farmers and in-cafeteria tastings—part of GrowNYC’s broader mission to foster food literacy in New York City.

The farm-to-tray rollout comes amid a citywide push to reform institutional food procurement, with Mayor Eric Adams touting the health and climate benefits. While challenges remain—cost, logistics, and scaling up supply—the Brooklyn pilot serves as a model for other boroughs, with city officials eyeing a district-wide expansion by 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Brooklyn schools are participating in the farm-to-tray program?

Over 100 public elementary and middle schools across Brooklyn, including schools in districts like Park Slope, Bed-Stuy, and Sunset Park, will participate in Fall 2024. The NYC Department of Education has published a full list on its website as part of the program’s official rollout.

What types of local foods will be served in school cafeterias?

Students will enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables such as apples, kale, squash, carrots, and corn grown on farms in the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New Jersey. Menus will shift with the harvest calendar, ensuring variety and freshness throughout the school year.

How does the program benefit Brooklyn students and local farmers?

The farm-to-tray initiative provides fresher, more nutritious meals for students, while supporting regional farmers with stable contracts. The focus on local sourcing also reduces food miles and carbon footprint, aligning with New York City’s sustainability goals.