PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Emily Miller, Director of Development and Communications at Teens For Food Justice
2:12:27
·
127 sec
Emily Miller from Teens For Food Justice (TFFJ) expressed strong support for Introduction 693, emphasizing the organization's work in combating food insecurity through indoor hydroponic farming in schools. She highlighted the benefits of urban agriculture in increasing access to fresh produce, addressing health challenges, and preparing students for careers in the green economy.
- TFFJ's farm at Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Campus produces up to 10,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, distributed to school cafeterias and the local community.
- The program integrates STEM education with hands-on farming, equipping students with practical skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental science.
- Miller emphasized that urban agriculture addresses inequalities in nutritious food access and subsequent health outcomes, tackling social determinants of health.
Emily Miller
2:12:27
Good afternoon.
2:12:27
My name is Emily Miller.
2:12:28
I'm the director of development and communications with Teens For Food Justice, and I'm a resident of District 10 Washington Heights.
2:12:35
It's a pleasure to be here today.
2:12:36
Thank you so much.
2:12:38
On behalf of Teens for Food Justice, TFFJ, I am writing to express or speaking to express our strong support for 693 as a nonprofit organization empowering young people to combat food insecurity through indoor closed environment, high yield hydroponic farming, we recognize this initiative as a critical step to increasing equitable access to fresh produce.
2:13:00
At one of our farms, Martin Luther King Junior Educational Campus in, Councilwoman Brewer's district, students grow up to £10,000 of fresh produce annually inside their school.
2:13:12
This produce is distributed to the campus cafeterias, shared with campus families, and shared with Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center across the street, significantly increasing access to healthy food for the entire community, as well as the school population.
2:13:25
For many of our students, nutrition related health challenges, such as diabetes and hypertension, are not just statistics.
2:13:31
They are the realities they face every day.
2:13:33
Many of these students are responsible for preparing after school meals for their younger siblings, which makes their participation in our nutrition education programs especially critical.
2:13:42
Through TFFJ, they gain the skills and knowledge to create healthier meals at home and advocate for better nutrition in their communities.
2:13:49
Urban agriculture also provides an invaluable opportunity to prepare these young people for careers in the growing green economy.
2:13:56
By integrating STEM education with hands on farming, TFFJ equips students with practical skills in sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and technology, while fostering leadership and agency.
2:14:06
Expanding these initiatives citywide will open doors for countless individuals to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector.
2:14:14
Beyond food production, urban ag addresses inequalities in nutritious food access and subsequent health outcomes.
2:14:20
Legislation like 693 tackles social determinants of health by increasing this access and offering tangible solutions for a healthier, more equitable city.
2:14:29
Thank you for your leadership on this critical issue and for prioritizing the well-being of all New Yorkers.
2:14:33
Thanks.
