NYCEDC, GrowNYC, Council Member Richards and Community Stakeholders Launch Youthmarket in Far Rockaway

Program Provides Young People with Real-World Experience Running a Small Business and Makes It Easier for Residents to Access Fresh Produce

NEW YORK, NY—Representatives from New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in partnership with GrowNYC, Councilmember Donovan Richards and the Rockaway Youth Task Force launched GrowNYC’s Youthmarket Farmstand in Far Rockaway. As a key milestone of the City’s Downtown Far Rockaway rezoning, this GrowNYC Youthmarket Farmstand will empower young people in Far Rockaway to develop their entrepreneurial skills by teaching them how to run farm stands in their local community.

Through GrowNYC’s Youthmarket Farmstand program, young people sell fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms while learning about health, nutrition, the environment, and regional agriculture. In addition to teaching participants about promotion, merchandising, and customer service skills, the Youthmarket will increase the availability of fresh produce in the Far Rockaway neighborhood.

The Downtown Far Rockaway Youthmarket Farmstand will be open to the public every Saturday through November 23 from 9am–1pm at 1002-1004 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691.

“The expansion of the Youthmarket shows that we are making good on our promise to Downtown Far Rockaway. This unique program will teach young people how to run a small business while bringing new vibrancy and opportunity to the neighborhood,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “I want to thank GrowNYC, Councilmember Richards and the Rockaway Youth Task Force for their support to bring Youthmarket to this community and for the neighborhood’s continued revitalization.”

“GrowNYC’s first Youthmarket in Downtown Far Rockaway not only delivers on one of the rezoning’s commitments, but it also empowers our youth to be the leaders in our community while providing access to fresh, locally grown produce,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “I’d like to thank the Rockaway Youth Task Force, GrowNYC and EDC President and CEO James Patchett for their commitment and all of their work that went into bringing this market to the Downtown area.”

“We are thrilled to open this Youthmarket in Far Rockaway,” said GrowNYC President and CEO Marcel Van Ooyen. “And we are deeply grateful to the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Councilmember Donovan Richards and the Rockaway Youth Task Force who help us provide access to fresh affordable produce while both supporting regional farmers and providing job training for Rockaway youth.”

The Youthmarket program’s expansion to this neighborhood is a key part of the Downtown Far Rockaway rezoning and Roadmap for Action, a $288 million neighborhood revitalization initiative. The Roadmap for Action was developed in response to recommendations from the Downtown Far Rockaway Working Group and includes efforts from a range of City agencies, and investments in infrastructure, parks, community facilities, housing resources, and small-business support.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation creates shared prosperity across New York City’s five boroughs by strengthening neighborhoods and creating good jobs. NYCEDC works with and for communities to provide them with the resources they need to thrive, and we invest in projects that increase sustainability, support job growth, develop talent, and spark innovation to strengthen the City’s competitive advantage. To learn more about our work and initiatives, please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About GROWNYC
GrowNYC was originally created in 1970 as the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC). Born out of the spirit of the first Earth Day, CENYC was initially a policy-based organization, writing comprehensive reports about quality of life issues like air quality, traffic, and noise. Our city has changed a lot since then and so have we. As the largest and most established environmental organization in NYC, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in helping New York City transform over the past five decades. Today 3 million New Yorkers each year participate in our programs.