LaGuardia Community College celebrated the grand opening of Finca La Florecita on October 30, a new urban farm aimed at enhancing education and addressing food insecurity.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) celebrated the grand opening of Finca La Florecita on Oct 30, a new urban farm and research center designed to enhance the educational experience for students while addressing food insecurity in the community. The farm, named in honor of former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia—whose name means “little flower” in Italian—reflects the college’s commitment as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 45% of its student body identifying as Hispanic. Finca La Florecita is located behind the college’s C-Building, at street-level on 47th Street between 29th and 30th Streets, in a lot that was previously a construction staging area.
LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams emceed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez and CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. Their presence underscored the importance of the project not only to the college but to the broader community.
“This program represents an equalization for underserved schools and students. Many students, especially low-income students, have never been to a farm. Here they can pick up vegetables and new skills,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “All it takes is one individual with a great idea. But in order to execute that idea and put it to work, it takes a whole village.”
Chancellor Matos Rodríguez expressed his enthusiasm for the newly built initiative.
“You couldn’t think of a better project in terms of hitting everything that’s important and beautiful about the work that we do in education and the work that we do at CUNY and LaGuardia,” said Rodríguez.
The event also featured a Living Land Acknowledgement from Sub-Chief Owl S. D. Smith of the Ramapough Lenape Nation, who was introduced by Estefany Gonzaga, director of LaGuardia’s Peer Mentor Program.
“This is land of the Lenape people. It’s not our land,” said Sub-Chief Smith. “I can’t think of a better way to acknowledge the land we are on than building an urban farm on it.”
The farm, named after former Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, will serve as a hands-on learning space for students and provide fresh produce to the campus food pantry.
Following the ribbon-cutting, attendees participated in hands-on workshops led by LaGuardia faculty and community partners. These workshops covered various topics, including flower pressing, botanical illustration, soil building, and Indigenous agricultural wisdom. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the land and learn about sustainable practices that can benefit both individuals and the community.
“When we support urban farms and community gardens, we are creating more equitable access for folks to be able to increase affordable health while also mitigating effects of climate change,” said Ms. Mickie, Executive Director of the NYC Office of Urban Agriculture. “When you are able to be on the land and connect to land and connect to your community, you are growing power as well. School gardens are learning gardens, learning gardens are community gardens, and all of our growing green spaces are vital and the lungs of our city.”
Finca La Florecita serves as a research and learning space for students enrolled in the Sustainable Urban Agriculture program. The farm includes a compost program and a high tunnel greenhouse that allows for year-round cultivation of produce. This innovative approach aims to extend the growing season and enhance food access in an urban environment. Students have already planted a diverse array of crops, including kale, Brussels sprouts, and culturally significant vegetables such as hot peppers and bok choy. These selections reflect the backgrounds and preferences of the students, fostering a sense of community and cultural relevance.
“A garden is a solution that leads to many other solutions,” said Ms. Vilamil, USDA’s NYC Urban County Executive Director.
In addition to supporting academic learning, La Finca is committed to addressing food insecurity in the local community. The farm will provide fresh produce to the LaGuardia CARES food pantry, which serves students and families in need. Each semester, three students will receive stipends to work as farm fellows, gaining valuable hands-on experience in urban farming careers. This initiative not only enhances their education but also equips them with skills relevant to emerging job opportunities in sustainable agriculture.
The project is supported by a $250,000 USDA grant awarded in 2021, which highlights the significance of urban farming in promoting climate resiliency and improving food access in New York City. As urban farming continues to gain traction, initiatives like La Finca are essential in creating sustainable food systems that benefit both residents and the environment.
LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, offers over 50 degrees and certificates aimed at enhancing socioeconomic mobility for its diverse student body. As it embraces innovative projects like Finca La Florecita, the college remains committed to its legacy of serving underserved populations and providing high-quality education that meets the needs of the community.
