A&E Real Estate Volunteers Prep and Serve Free Farm-Fresh Meals

Brooklyn, NY--Dozens of workers from A&E Real Estate joined Seeds in the Middle at their student-run farm stand outside PS-IS 178 in Ocean Hill on Wednesday, prepping and serving healthy meals with free farm fresh produce as part of Hip2B Healthy Café Day. Volunteers also distributed bags of fresh produce. Residents in Ocean Hill frequently lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which Seeds in the Middle seeks to address by providing the area’s only year-round farm stand.

While students ran the farm stand, A&E volunteers worked with kids and families to teach and prepare healthy recipes like lentil soup, butternut squash soup, fresh green salads and homemade applesauce.

“Families in every neighborhood have struggled to put food on the table during the pandemic. At A&E, we’re always ready to roll up our sleeves and partner with local communities to make a difference. Our volunteers are excited to join Seeds in the Middle at their Ocean Hill farm stand to cook with families and serve homemade meals,” said Maggie McCormick, President of A&E Real Estate.

"We seek to help all New Yorkers get healthy and stay healthy, wherever they live. We hope together we empower everyone to have access to quality health by ensuring nutritious food, fruits and vegetables are affordable and nearby, especially in our city's most vulnerable, low-income neighborhoods. We're grateful to be part of the Citizens Committee of New York City and for the efforts of all New Yorkers, including our friends at A&E, to come together to uplift and support neighbors. Thank you to PS-IS 178 for welcoming us,” said Nancie L. Katz, Director of Seeds in the Middle.

The volunteer event was facilitated by the Citizens Committee for New York City, a supporter of Seeds in the Middle.

“CitizensNYC is a network of pioneers in New York City’s movement for environmental justice, health equity and equal access to fresh food. We invest in changemakers who step up during times of crisis. That’s why we are proud to partner with A&E and Seeds in the Middle during this important time of need,” said Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.

Seeds in the Middle is working with neighbors and local schools to create sustainable farm stands and edible gardens run by students and community members. They are using these projects to teach families and young people about healthy eating and entrepreneurship. The group runs the only year-round farm stands in the area, serving hundreds of neighbors who can buy produce with EBT, Health Bucks, FMNP, cash and free Hip2B Healthy coupon.