Community Supported Agriculture

The Food Bank's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program connects Harlem with New York State farmers to bring healthy, fresh and affordable food to low-income New Yorkers.

New York's low-income neighborhoods are often characterized by a lack of well-stocked, clean grocery stores, an overabundance of poor-quality and fast-food dining options and above-average rates of diet-related ailments including diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension. In order to create a healthier Harlem, our CSA Program provides a diverse supply of fresh produce in an area where such items are not readily available.

CSA Program participants buy shares in upstate farms and pick up a weekly supply of fresh, locally grown produce throughout the May–November harvest season at the Food Bank's Community Kitchen in Harlem. Participants are offered several flexible payment options including food stamps.

The program also benefits the New York farm community, whose business is threatened by large-scale agribusiness. The CSA Program provides local farmers with a guaranteed outlet for their harvest throughout the growing season while promoting locally grown food in New York City.

For more information or if you are interested in participating in the Food Bank's CSA Program, contact Jesse Taylor, Senior Director of Community Kitchen & Senior Food.