Harvest Season Celebrations in Full Swing Across NYCHA
After several weather-related postponements, the 2023 season of Harvest Festivals came back strong this October, with a series of events featuring a wide variety of fall-themed fun for families at farms and gardens across many NYCHA developments. The Festivals were held at each Farms at NYCHA site operated by Green City Force (GCF), whose Eco-Hub festivals featured games, arts and crafts, and healthy snacks.
NYCHA and GCF staff were pleased to welcome participants to the very first Festival of 2023 on October 14, held at the Forest Houses Eco-Hub. Over 60 Forest Houses residents joined in free Festival activities and opportunities – including pumpkin carving/decorating, games, raffles, arts and crafts, dancing led by an on-site DJ, a photo booth, and free snacks – to celebrate their community and give thanks for their great harvest.
Along with the range of free activities, Harvest Festival attendees were encouraged to take home free, fresh produce harvested by GCF at the Eco-Hubs, including collards, turnips, and carrots.
from Harvest Festivals at the Howard, Red Hook, and Marlboro Houses
Other NYCHA farms and gardens partners hosting harvest season events this fall include Pink Houses Farm operator East New York Farms as well as Red Hook Initiative, which operates the Red Hook Houses Farm. GreenThumb, a program of the NYC Parks Department, also hosted a scarecrow crafts workshop at a Lexington Houses community garden. Harvest season has also been bountiful at resident-led community gardens across NYCHA, including at the Marlboro and Farragut Houses gardens.
Interested in learning more and getting involved in NYCHA farms and gardening work in 2024? Contact gardens@nycha.nyc.gov for more information.