The Story of East New York EATS @TJHS

This Project EATS site was built on the site of a former community garden that had been unused for more than 5 years. The site is located next to the Thomas Jefferson High School Campus in the East New York Community of Brooklyn.

Fall/Winter 2010

Working with EATS Farmers, World Academy for Total Community Health (WATCH) High School students in EATS after school program do a Herculean job of clearing and preparing the site for farming. Farmers developed designs for the space and a preliminary crop plan with students.

Winter/Spring 2011

EATS Farmers work with students to develop their basic skills in constructing raised beds, preparing soil for seeding, seeding, weeding, and harvesting.  In June, a weekly Community Market was launched at the site.  Students worked with EATS staff on outreach and promoting the site to community residents. Three students were selected to work as EATS Summer Fellows.

Summer 2011

TJHS Summer Fellows worked the site with EATS Farmers and operate the weekly market alongside EATS Farmers and other Fellows in the program. They also farm and harvest at other EATS sites and develop job-ready skills in basic farming which include soil health and maintenance.

They also develop skills in making chemical-free, handmade herbal health and body products.

Fall 2011

Sophomore students are being interviewed to join last year's participants in the EATS after school program. In addition to developing new or expanded skills in farming, youth will learn how to pickle and can food.  They will continue to staff the weekly market and also start their own health and body products "enterprise" and make, market and sell handmade products in their community.