The NYCHA Journal

The NYCHA Journal has informed and inspired residents since 1970, covering the news, contributions, and uplifting stories of the NYCHA community while providing the latest information on Authority initiatives.

man and woman in front of shipping container
NYCHA Residents REES Top Story 

NYCHA Residents Are Food Vendors on Governors Island

LaToya

Planning to visit Governors Island this summer? Make a stop to The Foodie Spot and check out one of the three NYCHA resident food business owners who will sell their delicious food, thanks to a new partnership between NYCHA and the Trust for Governors Island.  

Governors Island is a 172-acre island between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront reachable by ferry and open to visitors from May 1 to October 31. The Trust for Governors Island and NYCHA split the cost to provide a turnkey space for NYCHA’s food business vendors, transforming a shipping container into The Foodie Spot, complete with an oven, refrigerator and freezer, and everything else necessary to sell food. Three NYCHA resident food business owners will operate this season, and another three will be selected for 2022.  

“Governors Island offers a unique destination for New Yorkers, with acres of green space, vibrant art and cultural programming and a rich sense of history,” said Clare Newman, President and CEO of the Trust for Governors Island. “Small businesses and food vendors from across the five boroughs have been key to making Governors Island the vibrant place it is today, which is why we were thrilled to partner with NYCHA’s Resident Empowerment Program to bring the Foodie Spot to Governors Island. The Foodie Spot will showcase resident-owned small businesses all season long in Liggett Terrace, and we encourage all of our visitors to enjoy their culinary talents!”

Van Dyke Houses resident Niani Taylor, owner of Munch Hours, Inc., began operating at The Foodie Spot on July 1. You can catch her on Governors Island until August 31!

La Guardia Houses resident Cristiana Franco was the first vendor at The Foodie Spot; she began operating over Memorial Day weekend. She and her husband, Luis Rosario, brought a taste of the Dominican and Colombian cuisine they serve at their restaurant, Sabor Restaurant & Bakery in Queens, to Governors Island visitors. 

“This opportunity is amazing and it’s helping the restaurant,” Ms. Franco said. “Our foot traffic at the restaurant was zero because of the pandemic, but this is helping with revenue, and I was able to hire back two people who weren’t working.” 

NYCHA vendors will operate at The Foodie Spot on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and some Fridays. Each vendor has a three-day holiday weekend: Ms. Franco had Memorial Day, and the other vendors will operate over the Fourth of July and Labor Day. 

This unique opportunity is for graduates of the Food Business Pathways program (FBP), operated by NYCHA’s Office of Resident Economic Empowerment & Sustainability (REES), which provided free business development training to help NYCHA residents and NYCHA Section 8 voucher holders reach their dreams of starting or growing their own food businesses. The three vendors chosen for the 2021 season have all had their businesses affected by the pandemic, so the opportunity to sell at one of New York’s most popular parks is good way for them to meet new customers and spread the word about their businesses. The container’s name, The Foodie Spot, was created by Jasmine Perez, REES staff member.

“I am thrilled that NYCHA and The Trust for Governors Island were able to partner on this project that will bring increased visibility and revenue for NYCHA resident business owners,” said Audrey Washington, REES Assistant Director of Financial Capability & Business Development. “As things are opening up, we hope to find even more market access opportunities for our Business Pathways program alumni.” 

Ms. Franco graduated from the FBP program in 2016, the same year she and her husband opened their restaurant. Although she knew how to cook, she said the FBP program taught her all the knowledge needed for the business side of the restaurant, and she immediately applied what she learned. She’s thankful for the many opportunities and networking connections REES has provided her and other graduates of the FBP program. 

“It’s been an unreal experience being on Governors Island,” Ms. Franco said. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to be here, having such a small business. I’m learning a lot about selling food to different kinds of people and being eco-friendly. And Governors Island is beautiful. My husband and I are working but we’re also really enjoying being here.” 

Ms. Franco and her husband operated at The Foodie Spot until June 30. Van Dyke Houses resident Niani Taylor, owner of Munch Hours, Inc., began operating at The Foodie Spot on July 1 and will run through August 31, followed by Pomonok Houses resident Brandi Covington of Cooking with Corey, who will operate from September 1 to October 31. 

Visitors to Governors Island must reserve the ferry, but the ferry is free for NYCHA residents. To learn more about Governors Island and plan a visit, go to Governors Island (govisland.com).