Teens for Food Justice: Growing Solutions in NYC Schools
Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) is a New York City–based nonprofit transforming unused school spaces into large-scale hydroponic farms. These farms not only grow fresh produce for students and surrounding communities but also serve as living classrooms where young people learn STEM skills, leadership, and the value of food justice. TFFJ operates in schools across the city, producing thousands of pounds of fresh food each year for neighborhoods that often lack access to affordable, healthy options.
Introduction to TFFJ
Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) is a nonprofit that builds and operates large-scale hydroponic farms inside public schools, especially in communities facing food insecurity. Their goal is to ensure all New Yorkers have reliable access to fresh, healthy food while empowering young people through hands-on agricultural education.
Education & Student Engagement
Inside each school, the farm serves as a living classroom. Students learn hydroponic growing techniques during science lessons, join after-school clubs, cook with the produce they grow, and even intern as farm managers. These opportunities build STEM skills, nutrition knowledge, and real-world experience.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Each farm produces thousands of pounds of produce annually, much of which is incorporated into school cafeteria meals. Surplus is distributed to the surrounding community, creating a direct pipeline of fresh, locally grown food to neighborhoods that often lack access to it.