What we do:
A CSA, or community supported agriculture program, is a subscription-based delivery of local fruits and vegetables. Our CSA is unique because we provide high-quality produce for free to residents of three Brooklyn NYCHA communities: Gowanus Houses, Warren Street Houses, and Wyckoff Gardens Houses.
2026 will mark the sixth season of this successful program. Last year, we distributed over 40,000 total pounds of produce to an average of 300 households per week, while supporting local farms—a number of them women- and BIPOC-owned. This year, with rising food prices and added restrictions to SNAP benefits (food stamps), we anticipate an even greater need. On alternating Saturdays starting May 16, we will continue our mission to providing a delicious and healthy selection of seasonal produce sourced through GrowNYC. This exciting project both improves food access in our neighborhood and supports regional farmers—a win-win.
Who we are:
We are a partnership between Gowanus Mutual Aid, GrowNYC, District 39 City Council (Shahana Hanif), West Brooklyn Waterfront Mutual Aid, and tenant leaders in three NYCHA housing locations. Our dedicated group of volunteers works together to plan, receive, sort, and distribute produce to subscribers. Sign up to volunteer and receive news about the 2026 season.
How it works:
Fundraising efforts and community partners make this project financially possible. We are grateful for grants from BrooklynOrg, CitizensNYC, Park Slope Civic Council, Compassion Coalition, and countless private donations. Our staff, composed entirely of volunteers, is essential to getting all that healthy produce in the hands of as many neighbors as possible.
Get involved:
Volunteer: We welcome all volunteers high-school age and older to join our team!
Sign up to staff the CSA: Volunteers are needed every other Saturday morning (8AM - 11AM plus an early unloading shift; times vary) to support produce distribution at Gowanus Houses, Warren Street, and Wyckoff Gardens.
Have another skill you’d like to contribute? We’re always looking for folks to help with translation, graphic design, fundraising, and more. Fill out our volunteer interest form and we’ll be in touch!
We will be providing orientation materials for new and repeat volunteers prior to Spring kickoff. Contact us at gowanuscsa@gmail.com if you have any questions!
Donate: We need funding to supply free produce to our neighbors and cover other (minimal) administrative costs for running this program. Any amount helps, and donating through Open Collective on a one-time or recurring basis is easy and tax-deductible. We also need clean Fresh Direct bags at all times, so let us know if your bag collection needs upcycling: gowanuscsa@gmail.com.
Stay in touch: Reach out to us at gowanuscsa@gmail.com to be added to the email list for program updates, upcoming meeting notifications, and more!
How to sign up for the CSA if you live in Gowanus Houses, Warren Street Houses, and Wyckoff Gardens Houses:
We currently serve residents of Gowanus Houses, Warren Street Houses, and Wyckoff Gardens Houses. If you live at one of those locations and are interested in signing up—or know someone else who might be—please fill out the form linked here. email gowanuscsa@gmail.com.
