Just Food

Just Food is a New York City based non-profit organization that addresses regional farm and food issues. The organization works to build a more just food system by building partnerships among diverse groups to advance dialogue and action on farming, hunger and nutrition. Their primary programs are CSA in NYC and The City Farms. CSA in NYC is a community-supported agriculture system, and The City Farms is a program that works to increase food production, marketing and distribution via community gardens throughout NYC.

The goal of Just Food is to build a more just food system in which family farmers make a fair profit for their efforts, and all people have access to affordable, healthy food. Just Food envisions a strong regional food system -- incorporating a diversity of rural farms and a robust urban farming component -- that preserves ecosystems, reduces pollution, promotes social justice, provides education about the environment, and invigorates rural and urban economies.

Since 1996, Just Food has helped to start over 40 CSA programs in NYC. This number continues to grow as they work with new groups and new farmers to start additional sites every year.

Since 1997, The City Farms has grown to include 30 community gardens representing all 5 boroughs. The program has also helped to start four urban farm stands – independent farmers markets run by the community, for communities that need them most – with more on the way.

Since 2001, Just Food has been assisting food pantries and other institutions to acquire locally-grown food. Their partners include United Way, City Harvest, Community Food Resource Center , community gardeners, family farmers, and several neighborhood-based organizations.