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

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 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.