Harlem Grown Transforming Children’s Lives Through Urban Agriculture
Since 2011, Harlem Grown has operated local urban farms that have increased access to and knowledge of healthy food for Harlem residents and has provided farm-based development programs to Harlem youth.
Healthy habits start young, which is why our programs target elementary-aged students. Because food justice is more than just providing and distributing food, our model seeks to positively impact the entire community through mentorship, education, and partnerships to create sustainable change.
Harlem Grown is 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.
Tony Hillery is the Founder and CEO of Harlem Grown. Tony founded Harlem Grown to address the health and academic challenges facing public elementary school students in Harlem. In 2011, Tony began volunteering with a local elementary school and witnessed first-hand the lack of resources allocated to the schools and the poor nutrition of students. He noticed an abandoned and overrun community garden across the street from the school. Tony rallied volunteers and raised the funds needed to transform the lot into a thriving urban farm, kicking off Harlem Grown’s first-ever growing season.
Tony is the author of the picture books Harlem Grown and Saturdays at Harlem Grown. Both books are inspirational picture books for youngsters with meaningful ties to the environment, sustainability, and community engagement.
Leadership
Tony Hillery
Founder & CEO