House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries Visits NYCHA Urban Farm

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023 Nii Akrofi Smart-Abbey

The NYCHA urban farm at Bay View Houses in Brooklyn received a special visitor on March 5: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The two-acre farm, located in Congressman Jeffries’ district, is part of the Farms at NYCHA initiative and is operated by Green City Force as an “Eco-Hub” that supports sustainability and health.

NYCHA’s urban farms serve as food access hubs that help combat food insecurity and promote healthy eating by providing a direct line to fresh produce and wellness programming for residents. The farms also provide workforce and leadership skills to public housing residents and activate and maintain open spaces within NYCHA campuses.

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (L) with NYCHA’s Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt and Congressman James McGovern at the Bay View Houses urban farm

The Democratic Leader was joined on the tour by Massachusetts Congressman and Ranking Member on the House Rules Committee James McGovern. Congressman McGovern described the urban farm initiative as “cutting edge,” adding that it is a model which should be replicated across the country. State Senator Roxanne Persaud and Assembly Member Jamie Williams, who represent the neighborhood in the state legislature, also joined the tour.

Congressman Jeffries commended the initiative: “There’s a lack of access to healthy food [in the community]. As a result of the lack of access to healthy food, [community members] pursue other alternatives that result in exposure to things like higher and disproportionate rates of diabetes or heart disease. And this urban farm, the access to healthy food that is being provided here, is going to make a big difference in healthcare outcomes in this community.”

After the tour, the Democratic Leader presented a check for $750,000 to Green City Force to help expand and enhance the Bay View Eco-Hub as a center for training and leadership development.

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries poses with staff of Green City Force after presenting them with a check

Tonya Gayle, Executive Director of Green City Force, noted that the congress members’ presence would elevate the urban farm initiative to the national level. She also thanked partners involved in the project, including NYCHA, the Bay View Houses resident association, and community members.

Bay View Houses Resident Association President Sheryl Boyce, who also operates a food pantry at the development, noted that residents benefit from enhanced access to a range of fresh vegetables.

“By visiting the urban produce farm at Bay View Houses, Congressman Jeffries has sent a clear message that healthy nutritious food is important in all communities,” said Ms. Boyce.

Also present for the tour was NYC First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, NYC Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz, the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy Kate Mackenzie, the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture Qiana Mickie, NYCHA’s Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, other elected officials, and Howard Houses Resident Association President Naomi Johnson (Howard Houses is another farm site).

NYCHA is currently working to expand the Farms at NYCHA initiative to reach additional developments and bring more wellness programming to residents. For more information, email health.initiatives@nycha.nyc.gov.