UBHP Joins Harlem Farms 2026 to Celebrate New York Agriculture, Food Access, and Community Partnerships

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, Inc. (UBHP) participated in Harlem Farms, a free community event at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem. Hosted by New York State Senators Cordell Cleare, Michelle Hinchey, and George Borrello, in partnership with Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the event brought together agricultural groups, community organizations, local leaders, and residents to celebrate New York agriculture and support food education and access.

UBHP was pleased to table at the event, share information about our efforts to connect Harlem and Bronx communities with fresh, healthy food, and meet other groups working to improve local food systems.

Bringing New York Agriculture to Harlem

Harlem Farms gave residents a chance to learn about agriculture through interactive demonstrations, a children’s book giveaway, hands-on activities, food tastings, and fresh-produce giveaways. The event also showed how agriculture, environmental sustainability, nutrition, and access to healthy food are connected.

Featured activities included the New York State Maple Producers Association’s Mobile Maple Experience and the interactive New York Soil Health trailer. Visitors could also learn about beekeeping and sample honey from Bee Favored, a Black-owned, Harlem-founded rooftop apiary.

Oko Urban Farms presented a root-to-fruit demonstration, and NY Sun Works led a hands-on hydroponics activity using repurposed water bottles. These activities helped visitors learn new ways to grow food, care for the environment, and explore how agriculture can work in their homes and communities.

The event also offered workshops on starting a farm, food policy, and sustainable living. These sessions covered topics such as starting a farm, understanding food policy, recycling, sustainable fashion, urban design, and growing food.

Connecting Community Food Access with Urban Agriculture

UBHP’s participation in Harlem Farms reflected our ongoing commitment to improving access to fresh, nutritious food in Harlem and the Bronx.

Through our farmers markets, farm stand, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and youth education initiatives, UBHP connects residents with local farmers and helps make fresh produce more accessible.

Events like Harlem Farms give organizations a chance to share their work, learn from one another, and connect with people working to improve agricultural education and food access across New York.

For UBHP, having a table at the event helped us raise awareness of our programs, meet other organizations, and build relationships that support our work in the communities we serve.

UBHP also appreciates Adijat Adebola, David H., and Chosen Generation Inc. for helping at our table, sharing information about our nonprofit, talking with community members, and answering questions about growing food and cooking. Thanks to their support, we shared our mission and connected with residents interested in fresh food, gardening, and healthy eating.

Organizations and Partners Advancing Food and Agriculture

Harlem Farms highlighted organizations focused on agriculture, food education, environmental sustainability, and community food access.

Featured organizations included the New York State Maple Producers Association, New York Soil Health, Bee Favored, Oko Urban Farms, and NY Sun Works. The event also highlighted the broader network of agricultural and community organizations working to strengthen New York’s food system.

Chobani, ReThink Food, and Uptown Grand Central provided additional support for Harlem Farms, helping bring agricultural education and food-access programming to the Harlem community.

UBHP values opportunities to connect with organizations that want to build stronger local food systems and help more people access fresh food.

Elected Officials and Public-Sector Leadership

Harlem Farms brought together state and city leaders to highlight the connections between agriculture, food access, and community well-being. The event was hosted by Senator Cordell Cleare, who represents New York’s 30th Senate District; Senator Michelle Hinchey, chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Agriculture; and Senator George Borrello, ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The event announcement also listed State Senator Lea Webb, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam, and Assembly Members Jordan Wright and Khaleel Anderson among the additional elected officials expected to attend. This reflects the announcement’s expected-attendee list and does not independently confirm that every listed official attended.

New York State Senators

Senator Cordell Cleare represents the 30th Senate District in Upper Manhattan and hosted Harlem Farms. Her participation helped bring agricultural education and food-access resources to Harlem residents while highlighting the importance of community-centered initiatives.

Senator Michelle Hinchey represents the 41st Senate District and chairs the New York State Senate Committee on Agriculture. Her legislative work includes supporting New York farmers, strengthening local food systems, and advancing agricultural sustainability.

Senator George Borrello represents the 57th Senate District and serves as the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. He advocates for New York’s agricultural industry and highlights the importance of farming to the state’s economy and long-term food security.

Senator Lea Webb represents the 52nd Senate District in the Southern Tier and serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Her legislative work includes issues affecting working families, small businesses, and communities across New York.

New York City Council

Council Member Yusef Salaam represents New York City’s 9th Council District, which includes Central Harlem and neighboring Upper Manhattan communities. His work on the City Council addresses issues affecting residents and neighborhood well-being.

Manhattan Borough President

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Manhattan Borough President, works on issues affecting Manhattan residents and communities, including neighborhood needs, community engagement, and borough-wide priorities.

New York State Administration

Cathleen McCadden, Chief of Staff at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), was another public-sector leader UBHP connected with at the event. HCR works on affordable housing and community development throughout New York State. Connections across public agencies can help community organizations build awareness of their work and better understand the resources and initiatives that support neighborhoods.

Building Relationships for Healthier Communities

Harlem Farms gave UBHP an opportunity to share our mission, connect with other organizations, and engage with public officials and leaders whose work intersects with community well-being.

We appreciated the opportunity to meet and take photos with Senator Cordell Cleare, Senator Michelle Hinchey, Senator Lea Webb, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Council Member Yusef Salaam, and Cathleen McCadden of New York State Homes and Community Renewal.

These connections reinforce the importance of community organizations participating in conversations about food access, urban agriculture, and sustainable neighborhood development. UBHP looks forward to building relationships that help advance fresh food access, agricultural education, and community-centered initiatives in Harlem and the Bronx.

We thank the Harlem Farms organizers, participating organizations, supporters, and community members who helped make this event possible.

To learn more about our work, visit UBHP’s About page.