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.
We just wrapped up our fourth season, delivering over 40,000 total pounds of produce to an average of 320 households per week, while supporting over 15 local farms. This year, with rising food prices and cuts to SNAP benefits, we filled an even greater need. Next Spring, on alternating Saturdays starting in May, we hope to continue providing a delicious and healthy selection of seasonal produce sourced through GrowNYC. This exciting project both improves food access in our neighborhood and supports local farmers—a win-win.
Who we are:
We are a partnership between Gowanus Mutual Aid, Council Member Shahana Hanif's office, 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 next season and possible winter food distributions.
How it works:
Fundraising efforts of GMA, Council Member Shahana Hanif's office, WBWMA, and community partners make this project financially possible. Volunteers are 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 next season's CSA: Volunteers are needed every other Saturday morning (8AM - 12PM 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, pay our delivery driver, 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.
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 email gowanuscsa@gmail.com. Please include as much information as possible so we know how to reach you!
