Harlem Grown: An Oasis in New York City

When Tony Hillery’s business fell apart during the 2008 financial crisis, he began volunteering at a school in Harlem, NY. Shocked by what he saw he founded Harlem Grown, in 2011, an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.

Lidia visits 'Harlem Grown' in New York City.

"Across the street from the school was an old community garden that had been abandoned. It was full of junk. The kids called it the ‘haunted garden,’ cause it was nothing but cats, rats, and scary old people. So I contacted the Parks Department. I did the paperwork. I got the license and the key. Then I started hauling out the junk, one piece at a time. It took me six weeks. The kids kept asking me what I was planning to do, but I had no idea."

"Then one morning a little girl tugged on my shoulder. A tiny little thing with glasses so big. Her name was Nevaeh. ‘Heaven’ spelled backwards. And she said: ‘Mr. Tony, why don’t we plant something?" I knew nothing about gardening. But I knew how to google, so I looked up some easy stuff to plant. Turns out it’s hard to mess up herbs. So I went to the clearance rack at Home Depot and got some herbs. All of the soil was contaminated, so I backed up a dump truck full of organic soil. Nevaeh’s kindergarten class came out and planted the first seedlings.

Over time the garden became a sort of outdoor science classroom. All of us were learning together. If something died, we’d just try a new spot. We learned about worms, and lady bugs, and praying mantises. Then we learned about food systems. I couldn’t help but notice the diets of these kids: all sugar and processed food. Some of them couldn’t name a single vegetable. But how could you blame them? There are 55 fast food restaurants in this community, but not a single supermarket. So we started growing vegetables in our garden.

View photos of Lidia's visit to Harlem Grown

"Ten years have passed since we planted that first garden. And Harlem Grown has expanded to 12 different urban farms. 6,000 lbs of organically grown products have been given to the community free of charge." They grow leafy greens, eggplants, melons, tomatoes and more. But the plants are just a byproduct. They also raise support for the physical renovation of abandoned lots in Harlem, transforming them into thriving urban farms. Harlem Grown currently operates youth programs, a summer camp, and a volunteer program. "We’re trying to grow healthy children. But not just children. All of us are learning together."