NYC Guide to Local and Organic Foods

When it comes to eating locally grown and organic foods in New York City there are a plethora of options. Scroll down this site for info on:
Greenmarkets, Ordering online, CSAs, and Food coops.


Greenmarkets
Few places can match New York City's accessibility of locally grown produce and it keeps getting better. Greenmarkets are sprouting up all over the city, so you no longer have to trek to Union Square all the time for fresh veggies(assuming you don't live nearby). While Union Square may be the biggest and the best, take the time to explore the others as well. I am particularly partial to my local market on Warren and Chambers, in Tribeca. I'm able to get milk, organic apples(which I haven't found anywhere else), delicious turkey sausage, the most delicious and fresh ice cream-ever, as well as lamb, seafood, eggs, fresh herbs, which I freeze and keep all year, and a variety of veggies. I also love the individual pies like cherry, strawberry, peach and apple, as well as other yummy baked goods I can get at Bowling Green on Tues. and Thurs. 8-5 and downtown path on Cedar between Bdwy. and Church. For a full list of greenmarkets in New York City, along with their hours of operation, click here.

Ordering Online:
To purchase inexpensive organics online; try organicdirect.com. I use them regularly and have been consistently pleased with their service.
CSA(community supported agriculture)
A CSA is a rather ingenious idea, symbiotically partnering a community with a local farm. The local farmer is guaranteed a market for his or her bounty for a full year, while the community members are guaranteed fresh, locally grown and many cases organic produce at a reasonable price.

I am amazed at the number of CSAs in New York City, if you don't see one in your neighborhood listed here, find a more complete list visit www.justfood.org.csa/locations/.


The Bronx
Friends of Brook Park CSA; Pick up a weekly supply of locally grown (some as close as Brook Park itself) and organic vegetables.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Heights, Sweet Pea CSA: Options include a full or half share of fruits and/or veggies as well as an egg and flower share.
Park Slope CSA, Organic fruit, vegetable and egg shares. Discounted shares available and food stamps accepted.
Manhattan:
Chelsea CSA, pick up weekly at the Elliott Center on W.26th Street. Vegetable shares and optional fruit shares. Honey and maple syrup are also available in season. Discounts are available to low income households.
East Village, Sixth Street Center CSA, this CSA is also a store where non-members can shop. There is also a youth program which teaches youth how to grow, prepare and sell organic produce. Fruit and vegetable as well as Wild Alaskan Salmon shares are available.
Queens
Forest Hills CSA A weekly allotment of vegetables can be picked up at the Church in the Gardens. A number of low-income boxes are available each year.

Food Coops
Coops are a great way for people to purchase healthy and organic food at a reduced price. You pay an annual membership and in some cases, do some volunteer work, and in return you get a bulk-rate price on groceries.
Here is a short list of a few in New York City
Brooklyn
Flatbush food coop, You can shop without becoming a member, but members receive discounts. Discounts vary depending on how many hours you are willing to work.
Park Slope food coop. This website is definitely worth checking out, there are recipes, links and more. You must become a member to shop here.

Manhattan
East Village, 4th Street Food Coop, you don't need to be a member to shop, but members get discounts.