RFC is relocating its farm – Growing Local NOLA – to a space owned by the organization’s new community partner, the Dryades YMCA. The farm will be built on Jackson Avenue, in Central City, New Orleans, just a few steps from the Dryades Y building.
“We’ve wanted a community garden for some time so that our Central City youth and neighbors can strengthen their sense of community, be more active, and ultimately access affordable fresh produce. This an ideal partnership – RFC has the skills and experience, and we have the space and opportunity to further our work to address youth food insecurity,” said Alicia Oliver, Operations and Mission Advancement Director of the Dryades Y.
The new farm will provide fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and more for YMCA snacks and meals, classes and youth food pantry. RFC’s team will also collaborate with YMCA staff on building a community green space with classes in gardening, health-supportive cooking and holistic wellness.
“We are so excited to be working with the Dryades YMCA,” says Marianne Cufone, Executive Director of the Recirculating Farms Coalition.“This partnership will bring locally grown, healthy food to children through seniors in the YMCA programs and also offer a wide range of food and farm related classes and events to the Central City neighborhood and beyond.”
Work on the new growing spaces is already underway. The organizations have volunteer days planned to help with preparing the site and planting. Classes and events should begin early in the new year.
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About the Dryades YMCA
Since 1905, the Dryades YMCA has been an integral part of New Orleans and the greater metropolitan area by providing thousands of youth and their families meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. The Dryades Y is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We are dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities in New Orleans and the Metro region. https://www.dryadesymca.org