This fall, more than 75 Brooklyn public schools have begun serving salads and sides made with vegetables grown on five Brooklyn urban farms. The initiative marks a significant shift toward hyper-local sourcing in New York City’s largest borough.

  • Over 75 Brooklyn schools are participating in the program as of September 2024.

  • Produce is supplied by Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, Red Hook Farms, and three other local growers.

  • The program is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Education, GrowNYC, and city farms.

Brooklyn school cafeterias are transforming the way students eat by directly partnering with nearby urban farms. The 2024 program, led by the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Food & Nutrition Services, provides seasonal greens—such as kale, bok choy, and tomatoes—harvested within city limits. The result: fresher flavors, reduced food miles, and an education in sustainability served alongside lunch.

Local growers such as Eagle Street Rooftop Farm in Greenpoint and Red Hook Farms are the backbone of the initiative. Eagle Street’s head farmer, Annie Novak, says, “We’re harvesting greens on Wednesday and they’re on kids’ trays by Thursday.” The direct supply chain not only boosts the freshness of meals but also connects students to the urban agriculture movement thriving in their own neighborhoods.

Partnerships with organizations like GrowNYC have been critical in scaling the program to dozens of schools quickly. GrowNYC coordinates logistics, ensuring safe delivery and training cafeteria staff in handling ultra-fresh produce. Meanwhile, educators are integrating farm visits and classroom lessons, linking lunch menus to real-world science and nutrition.

Parents and students are responding with enthusiasm, with early surveys from P.S. 321 and M.S. 839 showing increased vegetable consumption and curiosity about food origins. The program’s success is fueling conversations about expanding to more boroughs and making New York City a national model for local sourcing in public schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which schools are participating in the Brooklyn urban farm lunch program?

As of September 2024, over 75 public K-12 schools across Brooklyn are participating, including P.S. 321 in Park Slope, M.S. 839 in Kensington, and several schools in Bed-Stuy, Red Hook, and Greenpoint. The list is expanding as the program scales.

What kinds of produce are served in the cafeterias?

Students are tasting vegetables and greens such as kale, lettuce, bok choy, cherry tomatoes, and herbs. Offerings change seasonally, depending on what local farms are harvesting at the time of delivery.

How does the program benefit students and the community?

The program provides fresher, more nutritious meals, educates students about local food systems, reduces transportation emissions, and supports Brooklyn-based urban farms. It also strengthens connections between schools, families, and community agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Brooklyn schools are participating in the urban farm lunch program?

As of September 2024, over 75 public K-12 schools across Brooklyn are participating, including P.S. 321, M.S. 839, and schools in Bed-Stuy, Red Hook, and Greenpoint.

Where does the produce for Brooklyn school lunches come from?

Produce is sourced from five local urban farms, including Eagle Street Rooftop Farm, Red Hook Farms, and three other Brooklyn growers.

What types of vegetables are served in the Brooklyn school cafeterias?

Students are served seasonal greens and vegetables such as kale, lettuce, bok choy, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, depending on what local farms are harvesting.

How fresh is the produce served in Brooklyn school cafeterias?

Greens are harvested within city limits, often picked one day and served in cafeterias the next, ensuring maximum freshness.

What impact has the urban farm partnership had on students?

Early surveys from schools like P.S. 321 and M.S. 839 show increased vegetable consumption and greater curiosity about food origins among students.

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