Nourish Syracuse

03/26/2025

In rural New York, even some Republicans are frustrated as the administration halts $186 million in conservation payments to farmers.

03/25/2025

Look at what we've grown! Our scholars were shocked and amazed to see how well their seeds sprouted in the grow tent. From tiny seeds to thriving plants-this hands-on experience is showing them the power of patience, care, and nature!We're growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce—the simple ingredients for fresh salads. And guess what? The kids are already planning to make their own pickles with the cucumbers!Sow & Grow Scholars is a success-and we're just getting started! Stay tuned for more growth!

01/31/2025

We’re honored to be featured in the Gifford Foundation’s Winter 2025 Newsletter!

Nourish Syracuse is all about building a more just and resilient local food system—one that supports urban farmers, connects communities to fresh, healthy food, and invests in the next generation through programs like the Sow and Grow Scholar Program. We’re grateful to the The Gifford Foundation for recognizing our work and sharing our story!

Thank you to our community, our partners, and everyone who supports this mission. Together, we’re growing something powerful! 🌍💚

Check out the article to learn more about how we’re cultivating change in Syracuse.

Nourish Syracuse: Cultivating Change by Kristin Sheehan | News, Uncategorized Published January, 2025 According to the Food Bank of Central New York, nearly 180,000 people in their 11-county service area are food insecure. That’s 180,000 people who—by the US Department of Agriculture’s measure...

12/24/2024

SNAP is the cornerstone of the nation’s federal nutrition programs, providing approximately 40 million people in the U.S. with monthly food benefits via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

In federal fiscal year 2020:
- 41% of SNAP participants were children; 16% were 60 or older; and 12% were adults with disabilities under 60.

Most people receiving SNAP benefits who can work, do work. In federal fiscal year 2020:
- Nearly one-quarter (25%) of households receiving SNAP benefits had income from earnings.
- Nearly half (48%) of households with children had earned income.
- 5% of households that included adults over 60 had earned income.
- Every dollar of SNAP benefits spent helps generate $1.50 in economic activity during periods of economic decline.

As the percentage of U.S. households with adults over 60 has increased, so has the number of households that receive benefits from Social Security. Many older adults turn to SNAP to help ensure they can afford food and other necessities while living on fixed Social Security budgets. In federal fiscal year 2019, 31% of households receiving SNAP benefits also received income from Social Security.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) encouraged incoming lawmakers to support more farmer aid in future bills considered by Congress. “It took a last second vote for us to give farmers a lifeline after l…

12/10/2024

🌍 Exploring Global Food Culture at Slow Food's Terra Madre 🌱

Earlier this year, our Urban Agriculture Consultant, Madlock, traveled to Turin, Italy, as a U.S. delegate to attend Slow Food’s Terra Madre Salone del Gusto. This international festival celebrates sustainable food practices, cultural traditions, and the global community’s role in shaping a healthier food system. From panel discussions on food and politics to tasting dishes from around the world, this event inspired our mission at Nourish Syracuse.

One major takeaway? The importance of connecting global ideas to local action. We're applying lessons learned to our Sow and Grow Scholar Program at McKinley-Brighton Elementary. Using Slow Food USA’s Clean School Garden Curriculum, we’re creating a garden that fosters problem-solving, curiosity, and connection. This garden will feature raised beds, a seating area, compost bins, and more, offering students a hands-on opportunity to grow food and grow together.

Read more about Madlock's experience and how we’re bringing these global insights home to Syracuse:

https://nourishsyracuse.com/green-city-chronicles/f/terra-madre-salone-del-gusto-2024

12/10/2024

Supporting Small Farmers Starts Here!

This awesome supporter earned our “Support Small Farmers” T-shirt by filling out our Urban Agriculture Survey at the Syracuse City School District’s (SCSD) School Wellness Resource Fair! 🎉

We had a fantastic time connecting with the community, introducing urban agriculture, and sharing how local food systems can make Syracuse healthier and more sustainable.

Want to support small farmers and make your voice heard? Take our Urban Agriculture Survey today!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yW5rrZEw0SpuouU3X8acTd-SR5oy2afdXrtsiakOSpg/

12/03/2024

🌱 What is Urban Agriculture? 🌱

Have you ever wondered how growing food in cities impacts our health, local economy, and environment? Urban agriculture is about more than just gardens; it's about creating sustainable food systems, building community connections, and empowering people to grow their own food—even in small spaces!

Check out our latest blog post to learn about the benefits of urban agriculture, the practices making it possible, and how it ties into a healthier, more resilient Syracuse.

🌟 Read the full post here: https://nourishsyracuse.com/green-city-chronicles/f/what-is-urban-agriculture

Let's grow together and transform our city!

Urban agriculture is the practice of growing food in or around urban areas, transforming vacant lots, rooftops, and backyards into spaces for cultivating crops, raising livestock, and fostering sustainable food systems. ...

12/03/2024

🌱 Do you dream of growing your own food? 🌱
We're looking for dreamers, builders, and growers ready to transform our community through urban agriculture!

Your voice matters. Help shape the future of food in Syracuse by taking our Urban Ag Survey today.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yW5rrZEw0SpuouU3X8acTd-SR5oy2afdXrtsiakOSpg/

07/12/2024

Juneteenth celebration at Kirk Park, Nourish Syracuse was honored to table at the event! A special thank you to the Southside Citizens of Equity and Justice for organizing such a wonderful event. Our wonderful chef offered homemade Haitian tea for just $1 a cup, made from lemongrass, star anise, and cinnamon, sweetened with brown sugar. As part of our Backyard Bloomers program, our native plant specialist gave away swamp milkweed plants along with complete care instructions and advice for nervous gardeners. It was a fantastic day celebrating Black excellence in our community! Click link for more pics.
https://nourishsyracuse.com/freedom-day-celebration

07/12/2024

Our first cooking demonstration event was held February 17. The "We Are One" cooking series hosted by Guedna Landers showcased ancestral foods through a captivating cooking demonstration. With a focus on utilizing fresh and health-conscious ingredients, the event highlighted the shared similarities within our local populations, including African American, African, and Caribbean communities. Attendees embarked on a flavorful journey that celebrated our cultural heritage and fostered connections through food. Click for more pics. https://nourishsyracuse.com/we-are-one-cooking-demo

07/12/2024

The 2nd Annual Right to Food Summit was held in Syracuse, June 4-5. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and collaborative sessions that tackled some of the most pressing issues related to food insecurity and systemic inequality. We drew inspiration from the experiences of Syracuse’s south side and west side neighborhoods, exploring innovative solutions and amplifying the voices of those on the frontlines of the food justice movement.
Click for more pics from event.
https://nourishsyracuse.com/2nd-annual-right-to-food

05/10/2024