SEE: Long-Vacant Lot Transformed Into New Farm On Eastern Parkway

BROOKLYN, NY — A new urban farm on Eastern Parkway hopes to transform a long-vacant lot into a solution for Brooklynites living in the borough's food deserts.

The Eastern Parkway Farm — opened by Bed-Stuy based food pantry The Campaign Against Hunger — will open next week in a property on the Crown Heights and Brownsville border that had previously stood empty for 30 years.

The space is the organization's latest project aimed at bringing nutrient-rich foods to communities often deprived of healthy options. It is the fifth urban farm space run by TCAH.

"The Campaign Against Hunger is committed to infusing heart-healthy fruits and vegetables into communities that are far too often overlooked and starved of affordable, nutritious food options," said CEO Dr. Melony Samuels. "The opening of Eastern Parkway Farm is just the most recent example of our work to advance food justice."

The newest farm, found at 1420 Eastern Pkwy., has been in the works for six months with the help of TCAH's farm department, volunteers and Green Teens, a group of local youth trained in urban farming.

It includes 5,000 square feet of space leased through the city's Department of Housing, Preservation & Development and will be farmed using all-natural production methods, according to TCAH.

Neighbors will find fresh produce like kale, summer squash, red cabbage, chard and raddish in the lot, according to the organization.

The Eastern Parkway Farm is the latest project for TCAH, whose demand increased six-fold during the coronavirus crisis. The organization has also opened a community food distribution center in East New York this year after leaving an emergency warehouse it set up with Broadway Stages in March 2020.

The Campaign Against Hunger has provided food for more than 25 million meals since the pandemic began.

Check out photos from the new farm, which will open Sept. 30, here: