Grow NYC is here to Help Recovery efforts to Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Tropical Storm Sandy changed a lot of things but it didn’t change how GrowNYC responds when the City most needs a sense of normalcy.

We’re keeping Greenmarkets and Youthmarkets open and collecting and delivering food to those in need.

We’re getting back up and running – our home office on Chambers Street has reopened – hopefully with phone and heat soon but already filled with no shortage of willing and enthusiastic staff. Please check our blog for updates on compost and textile collections, Greenmarkets and other events.

We’re grateful for all the well wishes and concern you have expressed to us and we’re grateful for what many of you have already done, be it volunteer your time, donate money and cleaning supplies and other essentials or purchasing a bag of Greenmarket produce to donate.

Here’s how we can help you – and you can help New Yorkers and GrowNYC:

1) Buy local and enjoy the bounty of the season while supporting family farms – shop at any one of the 50+ Greenmarkets or 11 Youthmarkets open for business. For a complete list go to grownyc.org/greenmarket

2) Donate-A-Bag opportunities are available at many Greenmarket locations from now through Thanksgiving. Help feed hungry New Yorkers, those affected by Sandy and relief workers by purchasing an extra bag of produce and bring it to the Market Information Tent. We’ll get it where it needs to go. For an up-to-date schedule of markets where you can Donate-A-Bag go to grownyc.org/blog/

Customers are donating harvest season items in record numbers in response to the immense need for hunger relief that Sandy created. Over 10,000 pounds have found their way to community kitchens, churches, shelters, food pantries and others serving victims of the storm.

3) Please consider a donation to GrowNYC when you are thinking about how to help New York City recover – many of the City’s community and school gardens suffered damage and need assistance, our compost infrastructure took a hit and many items need replacing, additionally, GrowNYC will continue to provide the kind of education and services that help us understand and combat climate change through education, recycling, tree planting and care, storm management best practices like rainwater harvesting systems and more. To make a donation, go to grownyc.org/donate now and help us get NYC back on its feet.

Thank you from all of us at GrowNYC