Oddo announces partnership with Snug Harbor’s Heritage Farm to aid Island’s hungry
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. –– Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s Heritage Farm will be doubling its fresh produce donations to local food banks this season.
Thanks to Borough President James Oddo, the 2.5-acre farm will be able to increase its donation of 2,500 pounds of produce to 5,000 pounds between June and October.
On Thursday, May 13, Borough President Oddo announced the partnership in which he has allocated $23,500 for the farm to purchase tools such as a rototiller and bobcat attachment to maintain the soil and increase production.
Through local food banks including Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) and Catholic Charities, Heritage Farm is able to make fresh produce more accessible to those living in food insecure conditions.
Heritage Farm at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri
“Access to fresh, healthy food is paramount to a healthy lifestyle,” said Oddo.
“This program gets an additional 2,500 pounds of fresh produce into the hands of families who need it most. This is so important and I’m thrilled to partner with Snug Harbor’s Heritage Farm and CHASI and Catholic Charities to make this happen,” he continued.
Vincent Ignizio, CEO of Catholic Charities, commented on the partnership’s significance for the local community.
“This is a true Staten Island story – neighbors helping their neighbors in need. Catholic Charities of Staten Island is proud to partner with Borough President Oddo and the Snug Harbor Heritage farm to provide fresh produce to the needy we serve on Staten Island,” said Ignizio.
“With our newly established food hub at Anderson Avenue in Port Richmond comprised of new pallet and refrigeration systems funded by the BP, we will make healthy meals a reality for all Staten Islanders,” he continued.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens gets a new farmer at Heritage Farm, Ezra Pasackow (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)Pamela Silvestri
In addition to produce, people can also access recipes to cook with fresh ingredients through Heritage Farm.
“We are also excited about Snug Harbor’s connection with the Hunter College Community Nutrition Program which will provide healthy recipes using these ingredients,” said Diane Arneth, CHASI executive director.
Interested in supporting Heritage Farm or getting your hands on some of their vibrant vegetables?
Radishes and winter squash are coming from the Heritage Farm in Livingston this fall (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)
Heritage Farm produce is available for purchase at Snug Harbor on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM, May 8 – November 20, 2021. Cash, credit cards and EBT/SNAP are all accepted.
Also, Snug Harbor’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program still has some shares available for this season. Throughout the season, members can pick up their fresh produce from the farm on Thursdays from 4:30 – 7:00 PM.
