Urban Agriculture Initiatives Rica Bryan, Health and Wellness Coordinator Ana Moran, Community Food Coordinator

Urban Agriculture at Community Access aims to promote physical health and reduce isolation by creating opportunities for tenants to grow, harvest, and prepare nutrient-rich and culturally appropriate foods where they live. Our programming centers the expertise and lived experience of the tenants, using skill-sharing and knowledge transfer as ways to advance food justice. Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy and healing-focused services. We are built upon the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives.

Sowing Connections. Growing Community. Started growing in 2015 at 5 sites This harvest season we have 11 sites, ranging in size from a couple of containers to multiple raised beds Food as a pathway to connection – reducing social isolation and building community – to increase the potential for self governance

Sowing Connections. Growing Community. Farmers’ Market Walking Tours $2 Health Bucks Selection of produce to prepare community meals Cooking + Nutrition Workshops Added-value products Homemade spa products using garden herbs to promote stress reduction Entrepreneurship training Partnership with Career Development Services Food Handlers’ Certification Food business development Farm to Table Community Meals Using produce from gardens and Rock Steady Farm Food & Digital Arts Using food-related projects as a way to develop computer, film, and photography skills Farmers’ Market Walking Tours Cooking + Nutrition Workshops Added-value products Entrepreneurship training Farm to Table Meals Food & Digital Arts Classes

Sowing Connections. Growing Community. Future site of Davidson Community Farm and NYC Mural Arts Project Future Davidson Farm: potential to grow 5,000 pounds of food per harvest season busy pedestrian corridor – viable farmers’ market location 2017-2018 NYC Mural Arts Project Site Future 172nd St. Farm Greenhouse Wheelchair-accessible raised beds Community kitchen Active design features including a playground and fitness equipment Future 172nd St. Farm… opening in late 2018

Contacts Rica Bryan, Health and Wellness Coordinator ebryan@communityaccess.org Ana Moran, Community Food Coordinator amoran@communityaccess.org