GrowNYC is an environmental non-profit empowering over three million New Yorkers annually to build a greener, healthier future since 1970. We deliver essential sustainability programs, resources and education to inspire action and create a thriving city for all. At the core of GrowNYC’s mission is the belief that healthy food access is a fundamental human right driving our commitment to creating equitable access for all. We partner with over 240 regional farmers to strengthen food security, reduce food miles and support a thriving agricultural community in the Northeast.
GrowNYC operates the largest open air farmers market network in the United States. Our GrowNYC Greenmarket and Farmstand sites bring fresh, locally-grown produce to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers across the five boroughs. We foster equitable access at all GrowNYC locations by accepting SNAP/EBT, Summer EBT, e-WIC, Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) coupons, Health Bucks, Fresh Connect and over-the-counter (OTC) benefits with select health plans. GrowNYC’s SNAP/EBT redemption program is a national model, in 2023 redeeming more than $4 million in SNAP and other incentives at GrowNYC food access sites.
In addition to operating sites, we transparently source from regional farmers via GrowNYC’s Regional Food Hub and deliver to over 350 community groups including soup kitchens, older adult centers and more. To ensure we are bolstering regional agriculture, GrowNYC farm partners may only sell what they’ve grown, raised, caught, or baked themselves within 120 miles to the south, 170 miles east and west, and 250 miles north of New York City. To support regional farmers to establish and maintain sustainable farm business, GrowNYC’s Farmer Assistance program provides free training and technical assistance to aspiring farm business owners and current Greenmarket farmers. Our programming is fully Spanish-English bilingual and rooted in social, racial and language justice.
For more than 48 years, GrowNYC has bridged the connection between rural farmers and the thriving urban marketplace, fostering a sustainable food system that ensures New Yorkers have access to the freshest, locally-grown food while supporting the long-term viability of participating regional farms and safeguarding farmland in New York City’s foodshed.
