Empowering Staten Island's North Shore: Forgotten Foods Hosts Transformative Neighbors Market

In a remarkable display of community empowerment, a grassroots organization called Forgotten Foods has taken a bold step to address food insecurity and promote food sovereignty in Staten Island's North Shore neighborhoods. By hosting The Neighbors Market at Hill Street Garden in Stapleton, Forgotten Foods has gone beyond simply providing healthy food to its neighbors – it has aimed to equip them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to achieve long-term food security.

Cultivating Change: Forgotten Foods' Holistic Approach to Community Empowerment

Addressing Food Insecurity in Staten Island's North Shore

The North Shore neighborhoods of Staten Island have long been plagued by food insecurity and limited access to fresh produce. Recognizing this pressing issue, Forgotten Foods, a grassroots organization founded by Alexandra Shoneyin, has made it its mission to empower young community members to become catalysts for change within their local food system.

Fostering Community Engagement and Skill-Building

The Neighbors Market, held on June 15th, drew nearly 50 participants eager to learn about food systems, community gardens, and community development. The event featured a range of workshops, including a community organizing session led by Forgotten Foods' nine youth interns, who presented their Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) project. This project, based on interviews with locals and extensive research, offered solutions to help Stapleton residents feel more welcome and connected in their neighborhood green spaces.

Promoting Urban Agriculture and Sustainable Cooking

The Neighbors Market also included an urban agricultural workshop, where participants learned about the garden beds and how to cultivate them. Attendees were asked, "What would you like to see grown here?" – a clear indication of Forgotten Foods' commitment to ensuring that the community feels a sense of ownership and investment in the local green spaces.Additionally, a transplanting workshop allowed participants to plant herbs such as chives, basil, and cilantro, personalizing their own pots. A cooking demonstration showcased a simple recipe for a one-pot vegetable and rice dish, highlighting the use of sustainable, seasonal ingredients.

Empowering the Community through Food Sovereignty

Forgotten Foods' approach goes beyond simply distributing produce; it aims to create a space where community members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to achieve food security. As Shoneyin explained, "Instead of just handing out produce, we actually want to create a space where we're equipping people with the skills to be food secure – knowing how to cook your own food from sustainable, low-resource food items; knowing how to transplant and being involved in your local spaces."This emphasis on food sovereignty, where the power and resources are placed in the hands of the community, is at the heart of Forgotten Foods' mission. By fostering skills in urban agriculture, sustainable cooking, and community organizing, the organization is empowering residents to take control of their local food systems and become self-sufficient.

Fostering Collaboration and Community Connections

The Neighbors Market was a collaborative effort, with Forgotten Foods working closely with The Sylvia Center to distribute meal kits containing fresh produce to participants at the end of the event. This partnership exemplifies the organization's commitment to building bridges and leveraging community resources to address food insecurity.Moreover, the event's success was largely due to the significant involvement of Forgotten Foods' nine youth interns, who played a crucial role in coordinating and executing the market. This intergenerational collaboration not only empowers young community members but also fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the local food system.

Expanding Reach and Impact

The Neighbors Market at Hill Street Garden is just the beginning of Forgotten Foods' efforts to transform the North Shore's food landscape. With a growing team of 15 dedicated members, the organization is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the community.By continuing to provide educational workshops, facilitate community engagement, and advocate for food sovereignty, Forgotten Foods is positioning itself as a driving force in the fight against food insecurity and the pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable food system in Staten Island's North Shore.