Overview
Community gardens support the thousands of New Yorkers who are building greener, healthier cities by engaging stakeholders to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers for the benefit of everyone. Unlike public parks, these spaces are typically managed by a group of members who make decisions collectively based on the unique needs of their communities. There are thousands of registered or permitted community gardens in New York and many more cases where residents have rescued and revived derelict private or public lots to build more livable neighborhoods.
Benefits
Community Gardens offer many benefits to a build resiliency and equity within a neighborhood or city. Environmental benefits include reduced heat island effect, decreased stormwater runoff, natural habitats for wildlife, and beautification of blighted areas. Personal development impacts include skill building for youth, increased social interaction and collaboration, community building, and gardening as rehabilitation or therapy. From a public health perspective, community gardens promote increased physical activity, consumption of fresh food, improved diet, and positive impacts to mental health. Food sovereignty is an important aspect of community gardens, empowering people to gain access to fresh foods right in their community, to grow culturally relevant foods, and to grow foods that may otherwise be too expensive to purchase.
Success Stories
Grassroots Gardens of Western New York expanded the five community gardens and established one new community garden and three new schools gardens throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
Grassroots Gardens of Western New York expanded five community gardens and established one new community garden and three new school gardens throughout Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
During the 2023 growing season, over 5,400 pounds of produce were harvested. Much of this produce was sold at the Y’s community-based farm stand where SNAP and FMNP checks are...
Recent News and Announcements
Community Gardens Task Force
New York State's Community Gardens Task Force convenes stakeholders from state agencies, existing community gardens, special use districts, public authorities, and cooperative extension services to establish and expand community gardens and the activities they conduct. The group may study, evaluate, and develop recommendations related to this purpose.
Programs
Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program
The Urban Farms and Community Gardens Program supports the development and expansion of community gardens, school gardens, and urban farms across the state, focusing on food production, food safety, and food distribution while improving local food resiliency.
Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grant Program
SNAP-Ed Community Growers and Food Box Programs
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (The Department) administers the SNAP-Ed Community Growers and Food Box Programs in partnership with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). These programs provide funding to eligible groups to expand access to fresh, affordable foods in underserved communities while supporting New York’s agricultural industry. Projects include nutrition education to empower families to learn more about their food choices and improve their health and well-being.
SNAP-Ed Community Growers Program
SNAP-Ed Food Box Program
Community Gardens Leadership Program
The Community Gardens Leadership Program is a comprehensive online certificate program designed to elevate current community garden leaders. Through a series of structured modules coupled with intentional community engagement, leaders gain the tools to create robust, sustainable community gardens.
The program was developed in partnership with the NYS Community Gardens Task Force, as recommended in the 2023 Report.
Community Gardens Leadership Program
Community Gardens Soil Testing Program
Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. In partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York, eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State can send soil samples for testing without charge.
The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrients plants may absorb from the soil during growth. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Cornell Harvest NY staff provide technical support and education for participating growers.
Program details and applications are available below. Questions regarding this program should be submitted to Mallory Hohl, [email protected]
Download the Community Gardens Soil Testing Program 2025 Program Rules and Application below.
Resources
Community Gardens Workbook, 2025
The Community Gardens Workbook provides a methodical approach to starting or reinvigorating a community garden. Developed by the Department in partnership with the NYS Community Gardens Task Force.
Agricultural Resources Dashboard, 2024
The Department’s Agricultural Resources Dashboard is a centralized resource guide for food producers to promote the development and expansion of local agriculture.
A Study of Urban Agriculture in New York State, 2022
This report presents findings from research by Cornell Cooperative Extension, in collaboration with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, that seeks to understand the urban agriculture landscape across NYS.
USDA Agricultural Resources, 2025
USDA’s Urban Agriculture webpage highlights federal technical support programs, answers frequently asked questions, and provides guidance on legal and zoning considerations.
Cornell Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities, 2025
Cornell’s Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities project is a research and education partnership with New York’s urban gardeners that promotes making informed decisions about contaminants in gardens, farms, and community spaces.
Ground Rules: A Legal Toolkit for Community Gardens, 2012
ChangeLab’s toolkit helps gardeners overcome common legal and practical barriers to establishing community gardens on non-municipally owned land.