The Bronx is a borough rich with secret gardens and farms that are highlighted annually on the Bronx Food & Farm Tour. Montefiore Einstein was again proud to support the event, now in its ninth year, as part of its work to improve health outcomes for Bronx residents. Food insecurity is a critical social determinant of health, which Montefiore Einstein works to address through community health education on issues such as healthy eating and nutrition.
The seasonal tours of Bronx-based community gardens and farms encourage healthy eating by showing residents where and how fresh food grows and exposing them to healthier options when feeding their families. The series also is designed to educate residents and support the operations of local gardens and farms so that they may continue to provide access to green spaces as well as fresh fruit and vegetables to their local communities.
Another important part of this work is Montefiore Einstein’s support of the Bronx Community Farm Hub initiative, a conglomerate of Bronx-based community gardens and farms that have become food distribution hubs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. They provide healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables to Bronx residents in need. We are especially proud of partnering with Healthfirst on the tour series this year, making sure participants learn about and have access to adequate health coverage for themselves and their loved ones.
The last event in the annual Bronx Food & Farm Tour series was held on September 10 and celebrated the beautiful gardens in the Soundview community of the Bronx. Earlier stops included the Roxanne Reid Memorial Garden. This garden is part of the New York City Housing Authority Castle Hill Houses and was started in memory of longtime tenant association president Roxanne Reid. New York City Council Member Amanda Farías was on hand to plant some fall crops. At another stop, participants enjoyed a healthy lunch from B Blossom Catering, a plant-based gourmet food company based in the Bronx and a Montefiore Einstein partner. The highlight was a fun pickling demonstration.
