4,200+

Students 
Fed

5

Farms

10

Schools

36,000+

Pounds of Food Grown

The Far Rockaway Farm Hub is the first-ever regional network of school-based hydroponic farms in New York City, advancing food justice across the Rockaway Peninsula. Led by Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) in close collaboration with local partners, the Farm Hub empowers young people to grow fresh produce, advocate for healthy food, and take action in their communities.

This is not just a collection of individual projects—it’s a regional food hub.

 

We believe that a just food system must be built with the community, not just for it. That’s why TFFJ’s work in Far Rockaway is rooted in collaboration. We’re here to support, grow, and amplify local leadership—especially youth leadership—in building long-term, community-owned solutions.

 

TFFJ currently provides year-round programming at all five campuses, serving students from ten schools. Three campuses have fully operational farms with two more scheduled to launch by the end of 2026. 

Together, these schools form a learning ecosystem where students gain hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, nutrition, food policy, and advocacy—while helping distribute thousands of pounds of fresh produce to their communities each year.

A Peninsula-Wide Effort

While TFFJ plays a leading role in the Far Rockaway Farm Hub, we are part of a much larger, community-led movement to address food insecurity and health inequities across the Rockaways.

From school farms to community gardens, fresh food markets to mobile pantries—organizations and neighbors across the peninsula are building a more equitable, resilient, and self-sufficient food system. We are proud to work in partnership with them.

Regional Partners:

  • NYC City Council: Selvena Brooks-Powers
  • NY State Assembly: Khaleel M. Anderson
  • Queens Borough President: Donovan Richards
  • NYC Public Schools

Local Leaders in Food Justice:

  • The Campaign Against Hunger (TCAH)
    Runs the Edgemere Urban Agro-Education Center and Beach Dunes Eats & Arts Café. Distributes farm-grown produce, offers youth employment, and supports food access initiatives across Far Rockaway.

  • JASA
    JASA serves aging residents across New York City, including Far Rockaway, through meal programs, community centers, legal and social services that promote health and inclusion for older adults. Their work enhances food access and social support for local elders facing challenges in nutrition and mobility.

  • Episcopal Health Services
    Offers Health Bucks, nutrition education, and fresh produce distribution programs to increase healthy food access for local families.

  • Northwell Health
    Northwell’s Food as Health initiative addresses local food insecurity through patient screenings, community meal programs, and nutrition education. They connect Far Rockaway residents to food resources and support long-term wellness with food-focused healthcare strategies.

  • NYC Food Policy Center at Hunter College
    Produces the Rockaway & Broad Channel Foodscape report and resource guide, helping communities and policymakers track food access, consumption, and health outcomes.

  • Food Pantries & Direct Service Providers
    Faith-based groups, mutual aid efforts, soup kitchens, and community-based organizations across Far Rockaway provide essential direct food access through pantries, free meal programs, and resource navigation for local residents.

  • Community Gardens and Farmstands
    From Edgemere to Arverne, residents are reclaiming land and transforming it into community gardens, farmstands, and green spaces that nourish and connect neighbors.

 

Watch the video below to learn more about how the Far Rockaway Farm Hub connects schools, students, and community efforts to strengthen the local food system:

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