The Produce Project

In continuous year-round operation since 2009, this urban farm program is part of Capital District Community Gardens, located in the heart of Troy, NY. It hires students from Troy High School to work after school and on weekends, offering them a stipend and the opportunity to take home some of the produce they grow. The farm sells its crops to local restaurants, at the Saturday Delmar Farmers Market, and through The Veggie Mobile, which delivers low-cost fruits and vegetables to food deserts throughout the Capital District.

Students farm using high tunnels—simple, unheated greenhouses—to grow produce throughout the school year. The farm adheres to organic growing practices, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both the land and the community. This hands-on approach not only teaches students how to grow fresh vegetables but also instills job and leadership skills.

While working with the urban farm program, students improve their health and the health of their community. The program is part of a larger mission to provide access to affordable fresh food and green spaces, contributing to a more equitable Capital Region.