GrowNYC: Supporting Regional Agriculture and Food Access in Novel York City

GrowNYC is a multifaceted nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system in New York City. Through a network of Greenmarkets, farmstands, and community gardens, GrowNYC connects residents with fresh, locally sourced produce while supporting regional farmers and promoting environmental stewardship. The organization too plays a vital role in wholesale food distribution and farmer assistance programs.

Greenmarkets and Farmstands: Connecting Consumers and Farmers

GrowNYC operates a widespread network of Greenmarkets and Farmstands throughout the five boroughs of New York City. These markets provide a direct outlet for regional farmers to sell their products directly to consumers, cutting out intermediaries and ensuring fair prices for both producers and shoppers. As of February 2026, locations include community gardens in Brooklyn, such as those on Bergen Street and Albany Avenue, and seasonal markets like the 175th Street Greenmarket in Manhattan, which operates from June 26 to November 20.

GrowNYC Wholesale: A Food Hub for Regional Farms

Recognizing the need for efficient distribution channels, GrowNYC established GrowNYC Wholesale, a nonprofit food hub. This service supports small to mid-size farms in the region by connecting them with wholesale buyers throughout New York City. GrowNYC Wholesale facilitates the delivery of high-quality farm products, ensuring access to fresh, delicious foods for a wider range of consumers and businesses.

Supporting Grain Economies Through the Grainstand (2015-2021)

From 2015 to 2021, GrowNYC spearheaded the Grainstand program, a pop-up retail operation focused on aggregating and selling regional grains and beans at Greenmarket locations. The Grainstand connected New York City consumers with over 100 farms in the Northeast, introducing more than 80 new “non-commodity” ingredients to the local marketplace. While the program concluded in 2021, its impact continues to ripple through regional grain economies, inspiring similar initiatives in states like Maine, Texas, and Oregon.

Farmer Assistance and Community Gardens

GrowNYC’s commitment extends beyond market access. The organization provides Farmer Assistance, offering business and technical support to both aspiring and established Greenmarket farmers. GrowNYC supports community gardens through its GreenThumb program, the nation’s largest urban gardening program, facilitating the creation and maintenance of green spaces in neighborhoods across the city. Community gardens, like the 400 Montauk Avenue Block Association Community Garden in Brooklyn, provide residents with opportunities to grow their own food and connect with nature.

Regional Grain Integration in Bakeries

Currently, all bakeries selling at GrowNYC markets are required to use a minimum of 15% regional grains in their baked goods, further supporting the local grain economy. GrowNYC also distributes over 60,000 pounds of regionally grown grain annually through its Food Hub.