Programs like Fifth Street Farm are helping to shape a future generation of earth-conscious New Yorkers.

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer joined Arad and a myriad of local officials to cut the green ribbon and plant a ceremonial first seedling on the gorgeous new rooftop farm. Four years in the making, the roof farm was once thought of as a radical notion, but now joins other green programs in the Earth School.

Students were excited to explain their cafeteria compost system, which transforms school lunch scraps into fertilizer for the new farm, and show how they reduced the garbage bins in the cafeteria from 50 to just two. For the ceremony, they prepared samples for guests to enjoy, cooking up warm kale with red onion and a tasty kale salad. The pint-sized advocates also gave a presentation on solar panels, hoping to entice city officials to get behind the project.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Michael Arad pointed out that through initiatives like the Fifth Street Farm, kids are are able to reconnect with nature and learn how things grow. By adding an outdoor classroom, these children will gain knowledge of the importance of fresh grown food as part of a healthy life, and will hopefully spread this information to the community.

+ Fifth Street Farm

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