Last month, the Tisch Food Center visited a couple of food and nutrition education providers in NYC Schools.
Guided by TFFJ staff, Research Associates Gitit and Oliver visited the Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) hydroponic farm at MLK, Jr Educational Campus in Manhattan. They had the opportunity to harvest romaine lettuce and basil, tour the hydroponic farm, and learn about student involvement in hydroponic farming and food education through TFFJ.
TFFJ offers students in urban settings increased access to agricultural experiences and fresh produce, as well as curricular day integration. Students are engaged in hands-on STEM, sustainability and advocacy/food justice content through their school day classes, after-school programs and paid workforce development opportunities. At the MLK hydroponic farm, students play a crucial role in growing and harvesting between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds of produce annually. The produce includes a variety of leafy greens such as different types of lettuces and herbs, as well as cucumbers and peppers. The harvested produce is distributed in several ways to maximize students’ exposure to fresh produce: through campus distribution, food education lessons, the school cafeteria, and local food pantries. The TFFJ hydroponic farm utilizes 90% less water than traditional agriculture, offering students in urban settings increased access to gardening experiences and fresh produce. The shorter crop yield time, with a cycle from seed to harvest in just five weeks, allows students to quickly see the results of their efforts. Additionally, the hydroponic system manages pests without the need for pesticides, making organic food more accessible to the community.
To learn more about TFFJ, visit https://teensforfoodjustice.org/ If you are interested in bringing TFFJ programming to your classroom through Grow Kits & Experimental Systems, please reach out to Jackie Roth at jroth@teensforfoodjustice.org.