Bringing Fresh Food to Life at Our Farmers Markets
The Community Chef Program brings the flavors of our markets directly to residents through live cooking demonstrations led by local chefs, food educators, and restaurant owners. Each week, our chefs transform fresh, seasonal ingredients from our farmers' stalls into quick, healthy, and affordable dishes that families can recreate at home.
These cooking demos energize the market, spark conversations about nutrition, and deepen residents' connection to local food. Fresh-cooked meals pull neighbors in, encourage repeat market visits, and help families feel confident cooking with ingredients they already trust.
Why This Program Matters
Stronger Food Access + Stronger Health Outcomes
With food insecurity rising across NYC, teaching families how to prepare fresh, affordable meals is essential. Our Community Chef Program:
- Increases fresh produce consumption
- Builds cooking confidence, especially for residents with limited time or resources
- Strengthens local food systems by purchasing ingredients from market farmers
- Helps families use SNAP benefits more effectively
- Attracts hundreds of residents to the market throughout the season
Meet the Community Chefs
Meet the chef shaping our market kitchen with fresh ideas and local ingredients.
Guest Community Chefs
Our Guest Chef brings new tastes, skills, and stories to inspire your home cooking.
Intern Community Chefs
Welcome our Intern Chefs - bringing their signature style and cultural flavor to the farm stand.
Intern Chef Colin
Intern Chef Farjana
Community & Guest Chefs Powered by
Chef Sign-Up & Stipend Information
Join Our Chef Roster
We invite local chefs, food educators, restaurant owners, culinary students, and experienced home cooks to lead demos at our Harlem and Bronx markets.
Chefs who join our roster:
Stipend:
We offer $150 for each 2–2.5 hour demo, plus ingredient costs covered through the market.
How to Sign Up:
Chefs can sign up by completing our short interest form:
Support the Community Chef Program
Your donation directly supports:
