About
Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in Harlem and the Bronx, where we work alongside underrepresented communities to build equitable food systems. We operate seasonal farmers' markets, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, youth training and education, and sustainability initiatives that make fresh, affordable produce accessible to the communities we serve.
Who We Are?
Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project (UBHP) is a community-rooted nonprofit working to transform the food system in Harlem and the Bronx by advancing food justice, supporting minority farmers, and ensuring consistent access to fresh, culturally relevant, and affordable produce. Through farmers markets, farm stands, and SNAP-accessible Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, UBHP connects over 1,000 families each week with local food while offering hands-on education through Kids Club, composting, textile recycling, and chef demos. Since 2021, UBHP has launched multiple food access sites, including Uptown Good Food Farmers Market, Bronx Park East Market, and the St. Nicholas Miracle Garden greenhouse, each designed to engage residents, reduce food insecurity, and build sustainable infrastructure.
With a focus on community voice, youth leadership, and culturally responsive programming, UBHP delivers value by reducing food miles, offering flexible payment options, training local youth, and embedding health and sustainability into every market interaction. Our unique model transforms food access into family-centered engagement and workforce development. Looking ahead, we aim to deepen impact through mobile markets and expanded infrastructure that ensure all residents, regardless of income or neighborhood, can thrive within a resilient, equitable local food system.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build sustainable urban food infrastructure that increases food access, generates local revenue, and creates paid pathways into agribusiness and food systems careers for youth and early-career adults.
Our Vision
We imagine resilient urban neighborhoods where food is grown locally, farmers and food workers earn living wages, and the next generation leads equitable, technology-driven food systems.
Team
Judith Desire
Kristia M. Winter
Celeste Beatty
Cycling With Community | Judi Desire in convo with Mary McGowan
CYCLING WITH: COMMUNITY
How can bike travel inspire bicycle and healthy food advocacy work back home? How can we inspire more people to get on bikes? When bike traveling, what are the benefits of not planning and going with the flow? What is observed from biking through so many cultures?
Cycling With Virtual Summit: https://milesofportraits.com/cw2025watch
Columbia Neighbors by Brandee Sanders
November 06, 2025
We are excited to share a new article written by Brandee Sanders, from Columbia Neighbors, highlighting the community care and food justice work taking place at Saint Nicholas Miracle Garden in Harlem. The article highlights the impact of our evening farm stands, the Sunday Bronx Park East Farmers Market, seedling production, and youth-led programming, which directly support families who rely on fresh, local food.
As we approach #GivingTuesday, we invite you to stand with us. Your support helps us grow seedlings, acquire a refrigerated cargo van, train youth in agribusiness, host Kids Club activities at our markets, and expand our composting and community education initiatives.We remain committed to building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient local food system for many years to come.
NPR Affiliate Public Service Inquiry aired Judith Desire's interview on the What's What podcast episode on October 14. Here is the stream link to the interview, which starts at 5:15 on the timestamp. You can also find it on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music if you look up WFUV What's What Podcast.
How Judi Desire and her ‘tiny but mighty’ community food project is feeding the people
Amsterdam News by TYRA WATTS
September 25, 2025
For Judith Desire, founder and CEO of the Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, a non-profit organization serving underserved communities in Harlem and the Bronx through farmers’ markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs, youth training and education, and sustainability initiatives, she has seen food insecurity all around her. But her journey to starting the organization came from an unlikely place.
Open | Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project
Jonathan Calixto is joined by Judi Desire, the Founder & Executive Director of The Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, to discuss their mission to empower vulnerable communities with nutrition education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering food security.
Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project | OPEN
OPEN Host Daren Jaime invites Judi Desire, the Executive Director and Farmers Market Manager of the Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, for an enlightening conversation. They delve into how Uptown & Boogie's local farmers' markets bridge the gap between urban communities and neighborhood farmers. Join us to learn more about supporting local produce and fostering community ties.
Bronx Park East Farmers Market | OPEN
OPEN Host Daren Jaime sits down with the Executive Director / Farmers Market Manager of the Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, Judi Desire discusses the Bronx compost drop-off, the new farmers market location, White Plains Road Farmers Market, and the impact of local farmers markets on community wellness.
Want to Work With Us?
Other Opportunities
Help us turn our vision
into reality!
