“The glory of gardening is hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.” Alfred Austin. In 2011 Tony Hillery, founder and CEO of Harlem Grown, began volunteering at public school PS175 at 134th and Lenox Ave in Harlem. Tony lives 20 minutes away from Harlem, yet something guided Tony to this school. It was there that Tony met Nevaeh, a student. She would get so excited when “Mr. Tony ” was at school. Nevaeh’s joy for the time they spent together was infectious and inspiring. Nevaeh’s gratitude was great. A group of other students also developed a close and caring relationship with “Mr. Tony.” At this elementary school around 40% of the students are homeless, yet despite this their enthusiasm was contagious. Tony and Nevaeh spent time in a vacant lot near the school where they would lay in the dirt talking about clouds and sky. Tony took notice that the children at this school had no access to fresh produce so he did some digging and found this vacant lot was a “Green Thumb Garden ” communal garden that had been abandoned. For Tony, this planted a seed of how to bring this garden back for the children of Harlem creating Harlem Grown.
“We are an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire youth to lead healthy and ambitious lives through mentorship and hands-on education in urban farming, sustainability, and nutrition.” Harlem Grown
Tony, who by profession was the owner of an elite limousine company, knew how to gather people and resources. His vision and mission was to grow a garden that provided much needed food for the community. He also knew the power of getting children involved in growing this farm. In their first year of growing Tony “The Farm Man” worked with 400 students planting 400 seedlings. As children dug in the dirt, pulled weeds, working together and saw the fruits of their labor turn into food they could eat, other things grew as well. These children began to change their eating habits and learned skills like patience, teamwork, and responsibility. In Harlem within a four block radius at PS175 there are numerous homeless shelters where many children live. Often children and families who live in high poverty areas do not have access to healthy foods. Tony wanted Harlem Grown to provide free healthy food to the children and community along with creating a sustainable connected community that feeds and nourishes the body and soul of community members.
“We grow more than fruits and vegetables. We grow healthy children and sustainable communities.” Harlem Grown
Since 2011 Harlem Grown has grown and blossomed. Tony, alongside forty-five of the best mission driven team of people, focuses on the mission. These amazing elementary school children, who are naturally curious and will try anything, provide energy and enthusiasm. Nevaeh’s mother was the first employee of Harlem Grown, as they hire locally along with providing fair wages, generous fringe benefits, and professional development. Healthy farms are much like people in how they grow. Water, space, weeding the areas around a growing plant, sunlight, guidance, learning, failure, excitement, joy, and gratitude provide the elements for a healthy garden. They also provide elements for people to grow as well. Here is what Harlem Grown has grown since 2011:
Free farm stands throughout Harlem, thirteen urban agriculture facilities ranging from soil-based farms, hydroponic greenhouses and school gardens, Community Events such as a Wellness and Blossom Fest, Mobile Kitchen Teacher, Saturdays on the Farm, Summer Camps, Farm tours, School Partner Sharing with seven elementary schools that Harlem Grown is at everyday, after School Programs, Learn from Us, Free Libraries, learning about STEM, over 6000 LBS of organic produce grown and given away, twenty-two first generation children have gone to and several have graduated college, creating generations of advocates and learners who can now help support and lead future generations. Recycling, composting, and using rain to water the gardens is built into all Harlem Grown farms. Here the people and the planet matter.
“Let’s root for each other and watch each other grow.” Unknown
In these areas of poverty there are thousands of homeless children. Often there are no community centers or afterschool programs. Budget cuts in schools tend to eliminate art and music classes, PE and field trips. When the mission driven Harlem Grown sees a need they grow, provide, and fund programs that offer enrichment, growth, and safe havens for children outside of the school day. All programs are high quality, clean, safe to provide nurturing spaces where children and families feel special, at home, and part of the community. Former students often return to volunteer and spend time with younger students, providing inspiration and motivation. “If they can do it, I can do it” is often the feedback younger students share after spending time with Harlem Grown alumni.
“Since 2011 we’ve operated local urban farms, increased access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents and provided farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.” Harlem Grown
Tony, who calls Harlem Grown “heart work,” not hard work, found the magic these children and food gardens have filled a hole in his heart. When Tony set out to volunteer at PS175 as his relationship with Nevaeh and the other children blossomed it set into motion a plethora of possibilities that continue to grow. These children and experiences have changed him in all the best of ways, along with changing the lives of these children in the best of ways. Whatever food this community grows it gives freely to any residents in need, no judgements, no shaming, just with gratitude for helping one another. Growing is giving.
“Plant seeds of happiness, hope, success and love; it will come back to you in abundance. This is the law of nature.” Steve Maraboli
With honor and joy we shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight on Harlem Grown. Where food gardens are grown, cultivated, and nurtured to change children, feed communities, whose roots are creating sustainable communities for the body, mind, and soul. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information on Harlem Grown or to help support them in any way here is their information:
Website: https://www.harlemgrown.org/
X (Formerly Twitter): @HarlemGrown https://x.com/HarlemGrown
Instagram: @harlemgrown https://www.instagram.com/harlemgrown/
Facebook: @HarlemGrown https://www.facebook.com/harlemgrown
YouTube: @HarlemGrown https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCToHPkwNWlpSXrMesFiMB2g/videos
