Although the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx offers one of the largest selections of fresh fruits and vegetables in the world, some Bronx residents feel there aren’t enough places to get fresh produce in their neighborhoods. Where does our fresh produce come from? Where does it go? Who decides what communities have access to fresh produce?

In our latest Urban Investigation, CUP, Teaching Artist Kathryn Sclavi, and designer Joelle Riffle worked with a group of high schools students from the Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School (KAPPA) in the Bronx to investigate these questions. Students got out of the classroom and into the garden to dig deeper, visiting sites like a community garden and the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm. Students interviewed stakeholders like New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres, Hunger Free America’s Executive Director Joel Berg, and Black Urban Growers (BUGs) Founder Karen Washington. Students created The Fresh Producers booklet to teach others about where our fresh produce comes from and who makes these decisions.

Students debuted their project at The Bronx Museum of the Arts, where they presented their booklet, demonstrated their interview skills, and shared the creative process. 

Get your own booklet here

What People are Saying

“Personally I’ve learned a lot from hearing the different views on food inequality. This has forced me to develop a new perspective concerning health.”— Sahira Abreu, student 

Resources & Links

Knowledge and Power Preparatory Academy International High School (KAPPA) is a small public high school in the Bronx dedicated to preparing its students for success in college. KAPPA offers the International Baccalaureate program for all interested and on-track Juniors and Seniors.

Funding Support

Major support for this program was provided by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Additional support was provided by Council Member Ritchie Torres. 

Special Thanks

Claire Duvernet, Jeneuse Geula, Daniel Girard, Elliot Fisher, Jennifer Morris, Professor Norris, Dean Santana, Nidhi Subramanyam, Professor Smith, Jen Robinson

Participants

  • CUP
  • Teaching Artist
  • Kathryn Sclavi
  • Project Lead
  • Christy Herbes
  • Project Support
  • Jenn Anne Williams
  • Christine Gaspar
  • Deja Holden
  • Graphic Designer
  • Joelle Riffle 
  • KAPPA 
  • Students
  • Sahira Abreu
  • Kaliz Baez
  • Kevin Bhuggoo
  • Kory Bueno
  • Rafia Chowdhury 
  • Angel Gil
  • Rosa Gil
  • Sharon Nwankpa
  • Principal
  • Panorea Panagiousoulis