Name: Los Colibríes Community Garden
What They Do: Los Colibríes Community Garden is a food justice project for immigrant families in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
How They Do It: The Los Colibríes Community Garden Facebook page states “Nuestras metas: Enfrentándonos a una ausencia de opciones alimentarias sanas y accesibles, proponemos mejorar la salud de nuestra comunidad a través del cultivo de alimentos sanos. Tambien: Establecer relaciones intergeneracionales entre padres y jóvenes. Conectar a las tradiciones y a la cultura de nuestros paises de origen. Valorar el proceso de la cría de animales y el cultivo de alimentos.”
This translates to “Our goals: Facing an absence of healthy and accessible food options, we propose to improve the health of our community through the cultivation of healthy foods. Also: Establish intergenerational relationships between parents and youth. Connect to the traditions and culture of our countries of origin. Value the process of animal husbandry and food cultivation.”
Mission: The mission of Los Colibríes is to nurture a communal space for urban farming where community-building takes place, knowledge of food sovereignty practices, or the right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods, is increased and youth and families are invited to participate in the creation of a healthy and vibrant neighborhood. The garden is open and accessible all year, with workdays typically held every Sunday during the growing season. They grow common and indigenous foods, compost, and raise chickens. Tours are held by request for local public school groups.
Latest project/campaign: Los Colibríes’s most recent project was the introduction of chickens into their space. Although the lot is only .04 acres sandwiched between two buildings, it is a habitat not only for growing healthy vegetables but now also for producing fresh eggs.
Major Funding: All volunteer contributions
Profit/nonprofit: Nonprofit
Annual Revenue: N/A
Interesting fact about how they are working to positively affect the food system: In May of 2019, Los Colibríes Community Garden hosted their first Wellness Workshop, bringing in registered dietitian Fadhylla Saballos to talk about prediabetes, diabetes and how to manage these conditions through healthy eating with members of the community.
FACT SHEET:
Location: 219A 34th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Core Programs: Community garden, school visits, ecosystem education, and composting
Number of staff: N/A
Number of volunteers: 5
Areas served: Brooklyn
Year Started: 2010
Director/Co-Leader: Vanessa Arcara
Contact Information: sunsetparkgarden@gmail.com or (516) 582-5292
Website: https://www.facebook.com/jardin34
