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Global Think-Tank, KM Zero Recognizes Ferran Adria, Julia Collins, and Stephen Ritz As 2025 Global Food Changemaker Prize Winners 2025 in International Ceremony With Over 100 Global Food Heroes and Industry Icons

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Stephen with Social Impact Award
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MADRID, April 14, 2025 /3BL/ – The Food Changemakers Awards, held in Madrid, were created by the Spanish organization KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub to recognize international figures with the greatest impact on the future of food.

Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, won the 2025 Social Impact Award for his initiative that promotes food as an educational tool among young people, while Californian entrepreneur Julia Collins received the Climate Impact Award for her leadership in the decarbonization of the food sector.

The first edition of the Food Changemakers Awards also honored Spanish Chef, Ferran Adrià, for his academic and mentoring work at the Madrid Culinary Campus (MACC), the gastronomic training center mentored by the president of el Bulli Foundation and Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz.

Beatriz Jacoste, CEO of KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, highlighted that “The Food Changemakers Awards recognize the impact of exceptional professionals, brilliant minds whose work and vision bring us closer to a future with good food for everyone. These role models are a cornerstone of our community, which aims to connect people with the greatest capacity and willingness to drive positive impact in the agri-food sector. We’ve spent seven years creating opportunities among these leaders to accelerate the transformation of the food system.”

Stephen Ritz and Julia Collins, Social Impact and Climate Impact Awards

Alongside the Spanish chef, the awards also recognized New Yorker, Stephen Ritz, with the Food Changemaker Prize in the Social Impact category for his work promoting sustainable and healthy eating among vulnerable youth through his platform Green Bronx Machine. Ritz received the award from the General Director of the NGO Acción Contra el Hambre, Manuel Sánchez-Montero.

Says Ritz: “From our humble corner of the globe, we are determined to change the world, one child at a time, one classroom at a time, one school & one community at a time. I am humbled that Action Against Hunger recognizes our impact locally and globally. Be it our acclaimed Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum, Green Bronx Machine KIDS! on YouTube, our award-winning documentary, Generation Growth, or our work with Babylon Micro Farms and Tower Garden, this recognition serves to remind all of us that the greatest natural resource in the world is the untapped potential residing in low-status and marginalized communities – we are the heroes we are waiting for – and we are and will continue to be the change we wish to see and be in the world. Children first always!”, said Stephen Ritz.

“At Acción Contra el Hambre, we are proud to recognize the work of people like Stephen Ritz and to share with him the conviction that a world without hunger is possible. Thank you for reminding us that change begins with an idea, but multiplies when we work together,” explained Manuel Sánchez-Montero, General Director of Acción Contra el Hambre.

Meanwhile, Californian Julia Collins was awarded the Food Changemaker Prize in the Climate Impact category. The organization valued her innovative vision in leading the decarbonization of the food industry through her platform Planet FWD, which specializes in accessible, rigorous, and transparent environmental impact analysis and measurement processes for the food and hospitality industries. Additionally, Collins has held leadership roles in various food businesses and continues to support women entrepreneurs and other groups through her role as an investor in triple-impact initiatives.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive the KM ZERO Food Changemakers Award for Climate Impact. This recognition celebrates our work at Planet FWD to decarbonize the food industry and move toward a more regenerative future. Thank you to KM ZERO for amplifying this mission and connecting us with a European community committed to transforming the food system”, Collins emphasized.

Sustainability was a hallmark of the entire gala, with the trophies awarded to winners made from bioplastic derived from coffee grounds, designed by the pioneering Spanish company in 3D printing and sustainable materials development, Lowpoly.

An initiative born from Europe’s largest food think tank

This first edition of the Food Changemakers Awards was held in Madrid, at the gastronomic venue Tramo, following the first 2025 working sessions of Europe’s largest food think tank, The Food Changemakers. This group, composed on this occasion of over 100 experts, executives, and leading voices connected to the agri-food sector, was founded by KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub. It worked throughout the day before the awards ceremony with the goal of establishing the foundations for real and long-term change in the current food system, influencing both private sector activity and public policies.

The inauguration of this new think tank session featured the participation of the Madrid Institute for Rural, Agricultural and Food Research and Development (IMIDRA), through its director Mónica Martínez; Ángel Niño, Councilor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the Madrid City Council; and Felipe Turell, CEO of Proyectos Conscientes.

In the words of Ángel Niño, Councilor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Madrid City Council: “In Madrid, we support industries of the future, and there is no doubt that the food industry is one of the most important in an economy like Spain’s. The world will reach around 10 billion people by 2050, and we need our industries to be competitive. Investing in innovation in this area means ensuring efficiency and sustainability in production systems.”

The 2025 Food Changemakers Awards, as well as the meeting of the global leaders’ group in food system transformation, is an initiative by KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub, with institutional sponsorship from Madrid Emprende, Madrid Food Innovation Hub, IMIDRA, ICEX, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Embassy of the Netherlands. It also has the support of Familia Martínez, Unilever, Helados Estiu, Vicky Foods, CAPSA FOOD, Huevos Guillén, CEYLAN, Profand, and Grupo Arancia, with collaboration from Proyectos Conscientes and Acción Contra el Hambre, among other entities.

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About KM ZERO Food Innovation Hub:

Our Foundation is dedicated to the transformation of the food system through a global community of industry leaders and change agents. Together they are working on innovations that have a positive impact and promote a more sustainable food model that benefits both people and the planet. For more information, please visit: https://www.kmzerohub.com/en

About Green Bronx Machine:

Green Bronx Machine is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed non-profit that builds healthy, equitable, and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, their school-based model incorporates urban agriculture and Tower Garden supported by their whole-school curriculum aligned to key school performance indicators to grow high performing schools and happy, healthy children. Reaching over 1,000 schools nationally and serving over 325,000 students daily, Green Bronx Machine was named a 2024 Fast Company Most Innovative Company and also offers an online educational platform, complete with instructional videos, free lesson plans, and downloadable teacher resources: Green Bronx Machine KIDS! The organization is presently featured in an award-winning documentary, Generation Growth, which highlights their expansion and success in communities across the nation. Individuals or groups interested in hosting a “Generation Growth” in-person or virtual screening or learning about additional ways to partner with Green Bronx Machine’s mission can contact Stephen Ritz at Stephen.Ritz@greenbronxmachine.org or 917.873.6449.

Loyola Community to Host 2025 Justice Summit with Keynote Speaker Stephen Ritz

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Special Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion Set for April 8

Loyola Blakefield is proud to announce the 2025 Justice Summit, a transformative event, uniting students, faculty, community members, and distinguished guests to explore the critical intersection of environmental sustainability, social justice, and Catholic teachings. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls for urgent care for our common home—the Earth—the Summit’s theme, “Caring for Our Common Home,” will encourage participants to reflect on their role as stewards of God’s creation.

This year’s keynote speaker is Stephen Ritz, an internationally acclaimed educator, social entrepreneur, and founder of Green Bronx Machine. Ritz has dedicated his career to empowering underserved communities through urban agriculture, nutrition education, service learning, and youth leadership.

Special Event: April 8 Film Screening and Panel Discussion

As a highlight of the Summit, Loyola invites members of the extended community and partner organizations to an exclusive event on Tuesday, April 8, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Fr. George Lounge (Wheeler Hall). The evening will feature a screening of Generation Growth, a compelling documentary showcasing Ritz’s journey as a Bronx educator tackling food insecurity, poor health, and educational challenges in marginalized communities. The film highlights his groundbreaking curriculum, which uses indoor academic gardening to grow vegetables, resulting in improved student performance, healthier diets, and pathways to opportunity.

Following the screening, attendees will enjoy a reception and engage in a panel discussion with Stephen Ritz, joined by notable experts Eric Dorsey, Seth Goldman, Danielle Nierenberg, Jeff Senne, and Larry Rivitz (bios on page 2). We will also welcome Maryland Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation, Paul Monteiro. This unique opportunity allows guests to connect directly with Ritz and explore his vision for a sustainable, equitable future. The event is open to all, and admission is simply a donation – cash or non-perishable food item – to the Loyola food pantry, supporting our commitment to community care. 

Says Ritz: “Danielle, Jeff, and Seth have inspired me the entirety of my career, I’m proud to stand on their shoulders. To be able partner with them in their hometown, along with Eric Dorsey, a graduate of the very school that invited me, Larry Rivitz & Green Street Academy, to grow healthy schools and students is a dream come true. Further, combining a Justice Summit, 1,000 students, an abandoned greenhouse, and partnerships with an additional 26 Baltimore City and County Public Schools sponsored by Quest Diagnostics makes this the perfect recipe for “Impact, Service, Innovation, and Overall Awesome-Sauce.” Lizette and I have our work clothes packed, garden gloves on, and lap tops ready. HELLOOO Baltimore, join us starting April 8, come early, and don’t be late! I can’t wait to get there and get started.” Ritz goes on to say: “Special thanks Seth Goldman at Eat the Change and to all the staff at Just Ice Tea for their generous donation, helping me teach that being an activist and an entrepreneur can feel good, look good, taste good, and provide a more just, healthier way of life for our communities, our planet and ourselves – what lesson could be better than that? Let’s do this!”  

Says Danielle Nierenberg: “I’ve seen the film, Generation Growth, and I love it. Across the country I have seen how inspired it has left folks, everywhere it shows. I am honored to lead a discussion about it with Stephen Ritz, Seth Goldman, Eric Dorsey, Jeff Senne, Larry Rivitz & Green Street Academy, students and staff from Loyola Blakefield and Maryland’s Secretary of Service and Civic Innovation, Paul Montiero, to inspire Maryland’s next generation of future farmers, healthy eaters, and sustainability champions at Loyola Blakefield and across the state. That these young scholars are coming together to grow something greater together and that Green Bronx Machine is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to sponsor an additional 26 schools in Baltimore, complete  with Tower Gardens, whole-school curriculum, teacher training, and classroom cooking and serving supplies is all the more reason to come on out, join us, learn more, and celebrate this special moment. I’m thrilled to be a part of it and hope to see you there.” 

Eric Dorsey states: “I met Stephen Ritz in 2023, and my first interaction with him included me saying, ‘We have to bring this to Baltimore!’ Today, seeing 26 schools in Baltimore City and County now embracing Green Bronx Machine programs is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Thank you, Loyola Blakefield, for providing a venue to celebrate this collaborative effort and bringing together so many passionate individuals driving this work. This event is the perfect kickoff for an amazing relationship, I am excited for the dialogue that will happen in the room. And best of all, you too can join! I hope to see you there.”

Larry Rivitz, beloved advocate and Maryland educator / advocate added: Green Street Academy is excited to join with Loyola Blakefield in converting the tremendous energy and expertise offered by Stephen and Lizette Ritz and their Green Bronx Machine into life-long learning outcomes for our students and produce for their families and our community.  Sustainability is the central pillar of our mission, and GSA has lead the way for fifteen years in Baltimore City Schools applying STEM studies to sustainable practices focussed around career skills, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in the classroom, in our schoolyard habitat, and through GSA Farms, our school-based enterprise.  We see partnering with Stephen and Lizette as a major step forward in nurturing the next generation of environmentally focused citizens.

Also, joining Ritz and friends will be Bethesda native, Jeff Senne, who adds: “Stephen and Lizette at Green Bronx Machine are perfect examples of what smart, hardworking, and committed people can do to change the world. Their work to engage, inspire, and act has created leverage in making change far beyond their beloved Bronx community and April 8 will be a day to experience and celebrate. They arrive at Loyola Blakefield “in servium,” modeling their lives lived in service to others so that others may follow. I’m grateful to play a small role in helping them scale their impact and change more lives, and especially excited to support them here in my home state of Maryland. I know this event will encourage others to find ways to engage in efforts to give every child an opportunity to meet their potential, no matter where they begin. I urge everyone to join us for a night of celebration and possibilities. I look forward to seeing you there!” 

Justice Summit: April 9

On Wednesday, April 9, the Justice Summit will take place during the school day across various campus locations. Open to students, faculty, staff, partner schools, and honored guests, the Summit will feature workshops, presentations, and panel discussions focused on environmental care, sustainability, and social justice. Ritz will deliver the keynote address, inspiring collective action, with the day concluding in a prayer service.

For more information or to RSVP for the April 8 screening, visit loyolablakefield.org/justicesummit.

Panelist Bios

Eric Dorsey is a Baltimore-based entrepreneur and a partner/owner at Third Win Group (TWG). His diverse background spans sports, finance, and event management. After playing collegiate soccer, he began to work in various roles at major sporting events as well as roles within Baltimore City government and Maryland-based nonprofits. A 2023 Recipient of Sports Business Journal’s Rising Business Leader Award, Eric’s expertise is in negotiation, event organization, and partnership campaign development. At TWG, he focuses on social impact sponsorship strategy, securing partnerships and other opportunities for athletes and entrepreneurs who strive to make a positive difference in their communities.

Seth Goldman is Co-Founder of JUST ICE TEA, an organic, Fair Trade bottled tea, and PLNT Burger, a plant-based quick-serve restaurant, alongside Chef Spike Mendelsohn. He also co-founded Honest Tea, chairs Beyond Meat’s board, and in 2023 became Chair of Mission Guardians for Tony’s Chocolonely, focusing on exploitation-free supply chains. Recognized with awards like the Washington DC Business Hall of Fame and EARTHDAY.ORG’s Climate Visionary of the Year, Seth holds degrees from Harvard College (1987) and Yale School of Management (1995). He co-authored the bestselling comic Mission in a Bottle about Honest Tea’s journey and sale to Coca-Cola.

Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank, is a renowned expert on sustainable agriculture and food systems. She co-founded Food Tank in 2013 with Bernard Pollack to foster a global community for healthy eaters, partnering with 250+ institutions like The Rockefeller Foundation and U.N. FAO. A 2020 Julia Child Award recipient, she has written extensively on factory farming, gender, and sustainable innovations. Food Tank promotes food system solutions through daily publications, podcasts, interviews, and global Summits. Previously, Danielle traveled to 35+ countries, meeting farmers, scientists, and policymakers to document strategies against hunger and environmental harm.

Stephen Ritz, an acclaimed educator and author of The Power of a Plant, founded Green Bronx Machine. Known as America’s favorite teacher and a 2015 Global Teacher Prize Top Ten Finalist, he created the world’s first edible classroom, growing over 350,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx. His initiatives, impacting 300,000+ students globally, have earned awards like NYC STEM Champions, seven Anthem Awards, and an Emmy for a PBS episode. Celebrated at the Obama White House and featured in Generation Growth, Ritz has trained 10,000+ teachers. A CNN COVID Food Hero and 2024 Food Waste Warrior, he serves as a Senior Fellow at Babson College and consults globally.

Lawrence “Larry” Rivitz is Co-Founder/Co-Chair of Green Street Academy in West Baltimore and a serial entrepreneur. He founded Marketing Initiative LLC, a national strategic marketing consultancy in 1993. The firm focused on brand strategy and business development for emerging businesses and non-profit organizations. He currently serves as Board Member on the Governor’s Department of Service and Civic Innovation and previously as Founder/Board Chair of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship and Bet on Baltimore/Dent Education as well as Board Member of the Center for Urban Families and Venture for America. Prior to founding his consulting firm, Larry served as a corporate retail executive and consultant to mall developers, big box retailers, and mass market chains. He holds a BA from Washington University, St. Louis, MO, MA from Ohio University, Athens, OH, and MBA from Loyola University, Baltimore, MD.

Jeff Senne is a sustainability and ESG expert with over 20 years of experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors. As Founder and CEO of Sandbar Solutions, LLC, he advises Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, and non-profits on driving value through strategy and execution. His career includes key roles at PwC, the United Nations Global Compact, the African Development Bank, and UNDP in Chile, where he led impactful sustainability and governance initiatives. A recognized thought leader, Jeff hosts the podcast “Making Waves on Purpose” and has worked in 40+ countries, speaking three languages. He holds an MA from the United Nations University for Peace and a BA from the University of Illinois.

About Loyola Blakefield:
Loyola Blakefield, a Catholic, college preparatory school, established by the Jesuits and imbued with the spirit of Ignatius Loyola, forms men to serve with and for others. The Loyola student is preparing to graduate as a man of integrity, who, because he strives “to find God in all things,” is open to growth, intellectually ambitious, religious, loving, and committed to diversity and doing justice. Named Top Workplace for 13 consecutive years and Baltimore’s Best Private School, three years in a row, Loyola Blakefield students perform over 1,500 hours of community service per year, with 100% of graduates accepted into college. It’s a place where lessons are learned, passions are discovered, and friendships are forged. Learn more at https://www.loyolablakefield.org.

About Green Bronx Machine:
Green Bronx Machine is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed non-profit that builds healthy, equitable, and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, their school-based model incorporates urban agriculture and Tower Garden supported by their whole-school curriculum aligned to key school performance indicators to grow high performing schools and happy, healthy children.  Reaching over 1,000 schools nationally and serving over 325,000 students daily, Green Bronx Machine was named a 2024 Fast Company Most Innovative Company and also offers an online educational platform, complete with instructional videos, free lesson plans, and downloadable teacher resources: Green Bronx Machine KIDS! The organization is presently featured in an award-winning documentary, Generation Growth, which highlights their expansion and success in communities across the nation. Individuals or groups interested in hosting a “Generation Growth” in-person or virtual screening or learning about additional ways to partner with Green Bronx Machine’s mission can contact Stephen Ritz at Stephen.Ritz@greenbronxmachine.org or 917.873.6449. 

#documentary #schoolgarden #dayofservice #leadership #pedagogy #education #health #wellness #nutrition #baltimore #community

Stephen Ritz Brings Global Impact to St. Louis: A Weekend of Free Activities to Inspire Educators, Families, Students and Communities

Newswise — St. Louis, MO — Ranken Technical College is thrilled to welcome Stephen Ritz, globally renowned educator, author, and innovator, for a series of free, open to the public, back-to-back live events that promise to inspire schools, educators, families, and the broader community. Stephen Ritz, founder of the Green Bronx Machine – www.greenbronxmachine.org, recently named Fast Company’s 2024 Most Innovative Company and subject of a new award-winning documentary, is a powerful advocate for sustainability, education, and community transformation. In the past month alone, Ritz has captivated audiences worldwide, from the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank in Boston to the World Schools Summit in Dubai, where he personally greeted over 10,000 students in schools across the Emirates. Known as America’s Favorite Teacher, Ritz’s work has transformed over 1,000 schools across the USA, trained over 10,000 teachers and impacts over 300,000 students daily. In his hometown of the South Bronx, his organization has partnered toward 2,200 living wage jobs in the poorest Congressional District in America. 

This weekend Ritz brings his passion and vision to the St. Louis area for his first U.S. stop after an international tour including a lecture with meet & greet at Ranken Technical College on December 6, 2-4 PM, followed by a live, in-person, green-carpet premiere of the award-winning documentary, Generation Growth, www.generationgrowthfilm.com, at the Cinema1Plus Theatre, Phoenix Center Drive, on December 7, from 4-6 PM.

Excitement Abounds with Activities for All

Ritz sees a robust future and emergent opportunities related to urban agriculture, controlled environmental agriculture, hospitality, food as medicine, and career technical education for St. Louis and larger Missouri landscape: “We are entering a moment filled with new opportunities and amazing possibilities for those who choose to see it and be it.” says Ritz. He adds “there is infrastructure, labor, capacity, and an appetite for inclusive change that is undeniable and ready to take off all across the state for so many reasons, all of them service and career oriented and pointing towards a brilliant and inclusive rebirth of this amazing region. It’s time, and people, industry, and business here are poised, ready, and willing to move forward! I am so excited!” Ritz is no stranger to the city or the state and regards St. Louis as one of his favorite cities in the nation. 

A prolific speaker and advocate for the greater STL community, Ritz has accepted awards and spoken at the fabulous Fox Theatre, UMSL, Missouri Botanical Garden, Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club, visited schools all across the region, and has significant relationships with local food services and urban farms. He has appeared on stage in St. Louis with Chaka Khan and received awards alongside and from Martin Luther Mathews. Says Ritz, “If I wasn’t so intensely tethered and committed to my work in the Bronx, I’d move here tomorrow. There is no other city in America that excites me more right now from an impact perspective than St. Louis, it’s history and people are waiting to be reborn, rebranded, repurposed and reclaimed. It is a canvas, perfect for painting visions for new cities of the future.”  He adds, “I’m particularly excited to visit Ranken Technical College and meet these young students and dedicated faculty determined to build a better, brighter future together. When you look right up the road and see the work the Urban League and Vested Urban Farms are doing and open up the doors to WashMo Towers, it’s easy to connect the dots and be inspired, the future and possibilities are growing right in front of us. These are the jobs and opportunities of tomorrow, happening today, blooming everywhere!”

“Our Agricultural Engineering Technology program at Ranken Technical College is excited to collaborate with Stephen Ritz and learn more about his innovative approach to sustainability,” said Megan Lavy, Agricultural Engineering Technology Instructor at Ranken. “Stephen’s passion for feeding the world and his lust for life are contagious. We are honored that he chose Ranken’s campus to partner with to spread his message.” 

The activities begin on Friday, December 6th, 2-4 PM, with a special lecture and meet & greet at Ranken Technical College.  Saturday, December 7, 4-6 PM, Stephen hosts the green-carpet theatrical premiere of Generation Growth, with a dynamic speaker panel after including local business owners, farmers, educators and a photo shoot at Cinema1Plus, 1900 Phoenix Center Drive, Washington, MO. Mindful of the holiday season, all events are free and open to the public, all students welcome, and adults are encouraged to make a small donation of new sport socks or winter socks M/F and / or board games should they choose, collected for a local crisis center.

“I am so excited that Stephen Ritz is coming to the St. Louis area for these incredible events,” notes Brandy Foss, RN, co-owner of WashMo Towers. “For years, Stephen has been a HUGE fan and believer in both St. Louis and the surrounding Missouri communities. His impact spans schools, nonprofits, the business sector, families, and farmers across the state. Stephen will speak to the exciting momentum and opportunities already happening here, inspiring all of us to dream bigger and act bolder. We are so lucky to have him here, and I urge everyone – students, families, educators – to join us. You won’t be disappointed!” Ritz, named a Top Ten Global Educator, highlights how innovative practices in agriculture and education can transform lives and create sustainable, thriving communities. His visit to St. Louis reflects his ongoing commitment to fostering growth and opportunity in the city and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired!

Media Inquiries: Brandy Foss (636)667-6235

For more details about these events or to reserve your spot, please contact Brandy Foss (636)667-6235. To reserve seats for the live Generation Growth screening: http://generationgrowthwithstephenritz.eventbrite.com/

To Contact Stephen Ritz: stephen.ritz@greenbronxmachine.org 

#education #sustainability #STL #SaintLouis #urbanfarming #cea #workforcedevelopment #community #cte #technicalcollege #careers #wellness #generationgrowthfilm #leadership

Southwest Foodservice Excellence Enters Exclusive Partnership with Stephen Ritz

Newswise — Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) and Stephen Ritz, an internationally acclaimed, award-winning, educator, author, and founder of Green Bronx Machine, have announced an exclusive partnership aimed at improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables and integrating garden learning into classroom curriculum.  

The partnership will bring Ritz’s Green Bronx Machine, recognized as Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company of the Year, curriculum program to districts across the country, providing further value for the students that SFE serves through enhanced culinary education. 

Green Bronx Machine offers a K-12 food and garden based academic curriculum aligned to state and national standards that also addresses food insecurity, food access, workforce development, and brings interactive classroom experiences to schools across the country. Green Bronx Machine partners with Tower Garden to educate students on how to grow their own food and educate students about healthy eating and sustainability. 

Green Bronx Machine started in 2014 as an after-school program and has served more than 275,000 students over the past decade. Through the program, students have found careers in urban farming, agriculture, and hospitality. Ritz has developed the program to encourage students to use critical thinking, math, writing, and problem-solving skills in the curriculum. The results of this program have been seen by higher test scores and achievements in the classroom. Green Bronx Machine shows students reach their fullest potential when they work together and are nourished. 

SFE CEO Chef Monty Staggs said, “We are thrilled to partner with Stephen Ritz and Green Bronx Machine to bring more fresh produce and garden education to our schools and students. As a food first company, SFE is passionate about bringing as many fresh ingredients and opportunities to our schools as possible. Tower Gardens and Stephen’s STEAM-based classroom curriculum will help us to do that and truly make meals and the café an exciting part of the learning day.” 

Stephen Ritz says, “For years, SFE has led with food first, compassionate leadership, customized and data-driven programs, and a passion for innovation. Across the board, their people are delightful and committed, and their meals are both delicious and nutritious. Simply put, students and faculty love their food, their staff, and the culture they create. Combine that with their commitment to food and nutrition education, industry careers, and teaching children to grow their own food with Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum and Tower Gardens…. WOW! This is the ultimate recipe for success!” 

Ritz goes on to add, “with plant-forward, culturally relevant, planet-friendly, diverse and seasonal menus, SFE is industry recognized and celebrated for local sourcing wherever and whenever possible – now more than ever, for so many reasons, that policy matters. In school district after school district across the nation, Monty Staggs and the SFE team are the epitome of hyper-committed, hyper-connected, ultra-responsive school partners who prioritize people and relationships first and foremost in all that they do daily. I am beyond grateful and excited for Green Bronx Machine to be included on their roster.” 

Ritz closes with, “think of all the schools and children we will impact, the number of teachers we will support, and the communities we will uplift and nourish, on so many levels! The message this partnership sends to children of the Bronx and similar communities everywhere – validating that success happens with kind and committed individuals and access to healthy food – is precisely why I do the work that I do. I can’t wait to put on a hair net along with my lab coat, cheese hat, green shoes, and bow-tie to inspire healthy learning and healthy eating with SFE across the nation.”

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About Southwest Foodservice Excellence 

Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) is a leading provider of outsourced foodservices for K- 12 public schools. Founded in 2004 and based in Scottsdale, AZ, the company is dedicated to providing high quality, nutritious foods to students and school districts and providing the highest quality customer service. SFE serves over 180 school districts in 33 states. For more information, please visit https://www.sfellc.org/.

About Green Bronx Machine

Green Bronx Machine builds healthy, equitable, and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, their school-based model uses urban agriculture and Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum aligned to key school performance indicators to grow high performing schools and happy, healthy children who love eating vegetables enroute to outstanding academic performance. Their work is featured in a new, award-winning documentary, Generation Growth, highlighting their impact in schools and communities across the nation. Individuals or groups interested in hosting a “Generation Growth” in-person or virtual screening or learning about additional ways to partner with Green Bronx Machine’s mission can contact Stephen Ritz at Stephen.Ritz@greenbronxmachine.org or 917.873.6449. 

#education #schoolfood #foodservice #leadership #schoolcafe #health #wellness #nutrition #culinary #childnutrition #schoolmeals #partnership #generationgrowthfilm #schoollunch #plantforward

Stephen Ritz Joins Babylon Micro-Farms to Accelerate Vertical Farming in Classrooms Across America

Newswise — Richmond, VA — Stephen Ritz, a renowned educator and the visionary founder of Green Bronx Machine is joining forces with Babylon Micro-Farms as their new brand ambassador, with a shared goal: to accelerate the adoption of vertical farming in classrooms across America. By promoting Babylon’s innovative STEM Garden, Ritz aims to create hands-on, transformative learning opportunities that ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning in students.

For Ritz, education is more than a series of lessons; it’s about creating experiences that connect students to the world around them. When he first saw the STEM Garden, Ritz immediately recognized its potential to revolutionize learning. “The minute I saw the STEM Garden, I knew I wanted one in my classroom. Beyond being easy to use, the look, the feel, and the finish of the STEM Garden simply exudes quality and generates excitement, interest, and wonder from students and teachers alike,” says Ritz.

Transforming Classrooms with Hands-On Learning

Babylon Micro-Farms chose Ritz as their brand ambassador because he represents the essence of their mission: to make sustainable food production a dynamic part of education. Ritz is known for turning his classrooms into vibrant environments where learning happens through doing—where students plant seeds, watch them grow, and harvest fresh produce, all while developing critical life skills and a deeper understanding of science and sustainability. To date, Ritz has grown more than 300,000 pounds of vegetables with children en route to outstanding school performance and improved social determinants of health. “The STEM Garden makes you want to learn more, ask questions, taste the produce, and get involved—the learning possibilities here are endless,” Ritz adds. “This is what innovation looks like!”

A Shared Vision for Educational Innovation

The partnership centers around the STEM Garden, Babylon Micro-Farms’ cutting-edge hydroponic farming system designed for K-12 classrooms. With this tool, educators can transform lessons in plant biology, environmental science, and agriculture into engaging, hands-on experiences. The STEM Garden supports cultivating healthy eating habits and a deeper connection to nature while promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Marc Oosterhuis, CEO of Babylon Micro-Farms, believes Ritz is the ideal advocate for the STEM Garden. “Stephen’s enthusiasm and dedication to sustainable education make him an ideal partner for us. His firsthand experience with the challenges educators face and his understanding of the value of engaging students through meaningful, hands-on experiences make him a perfect fit for this role,” says Oosterhuis.

Cultivating a New Generation of Healthy Eaters and Engaged Learners

As part of his role, Ritz will lead initiatives to promote the STEM Garden in schools nationwide. This includes developing educational programs tailored to various learning environments, conducting community outreach to encourage sustainable practices, and participating in speaking engagements where he can share his unique approach to education and urban farming. “I’m grateful to the folks at Babylon Micro-Farms for their interest and support of the work that we do at Green Bronx Machine and can’t wait to grow the next generation of healthy eaters, healthy learners, and urban farmers with them,” Ritz shares.

From Inspiration to Action

For Babylon Micro-Farms, this partnership is about more than just promoting a product; it’s about fostering a movement. Together with Ritz, they aim to bring the excitement and benefits of vertical farming to classrooms nationwide, inspiring both educators and students to embrace sustainable agriculture and healthier lifestyles. “There are so many wonderful touch points attached to this opportunity including the fact that the STEM Garden is built here in America. This drives entrepreneurship, innovation, and 21st-century workforce development at a time when we need it most,” says Ritz. “What teacher would not want this in their classroom? I can’t wait to get my STEM Garden to the Bronx and invite Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks to come visit. To think we will have the same technology in the Bronx that inspired Vice President Kamala Harris to visit Babylon Micro-Farms is beyond inspiring for our students and teachers and makes it that much more relevant and exciting for all.

A Vision for Every Classroom in America

With Stephen Ritz’s passion for experiential learning and Babylon Micro-Farms’ innovative technology, the goal is clear:  to accelerate the adoption of vertical farming in schools and to provide every student with the chance to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning. By placing a STEM Garden in every classroom, they hope to inspire the next generation of thinkers, doers, and sustainable innovators. “This simple, classroom-based, easy-to-use, self-contained unit is the perfect introduction to urban farming for young students and exposes older students to the world and possibilities of CEA – controlled environment agriculture – which has proven to be a viable and lucrative career path and opportunity for urban students, disconnected youth, and second opportunity adults.”

About Babylon Micro-Farms
Babylon Micro-Farms was founded with a mission to democratize indoor farming through innovative, user-friendly technology. Their hydroponic micro-farms, including the new STEM Garden, are designed to be accessible to all, regardless of prior experience or knowledge. These systems are ideal for K-12 schools, universities, senior living communities, and corporate dining facilities. Focused on sustainability, Babylon Micro-Farms provides a simple way for anyone to grow fresh, nutritious produce year-round, empowering individuals and communities to take control of their food sources. For more information about Babylon Micro-Farms and the STEM Garden, visit www.babylonmicrofarms.com.

About Stephen Ritz and Green Bronx Machine

Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine and author of The Power of a Plant, is a globally recognized educator known for creating the world’s first edible classroom and growing over 300,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx. Celebrated at the White House, featured on TIME for KIDS, and the subject of the award-winning documentary Generation Growth, Ritz has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 Global Food Hero. Ritz is featured in a new YouTube Series: “Let’s Learn with Mister Ritz” and has his own channel, Green Bronx Machine Kids, viewed by schools and educators nationally. His nonprofit, Green Bronx Machine, was named Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company in 2024, advancing urban agriculture and nutrition education.

For more information about Stephen Ritz and Green Bronx Machine, visit https://greenbronxmachine.org/. 

#Bronx #NYC #urbanfarming #cea #sustainability #education #schoolgarden #STEM #workforcedevelopment #innovation #farmtoschool #urbanag #farming #horticulture

Cultivating Growth with a Global Food Hero at the AgCareers.com Roundtable

Newswise — Ames, IA – Talent development and pipeline building are top priorities for people leaders in the agriculture and food industry. Spreading knowledge and exciting today’s youth about the industry’s difference-making opportunities are essential to creating a future workforce that will feed the world. Internationally acclaimed award-winning speaker, educator, author, innovator, urban farmer, and founder of the Green Bronx Machine, Stephen Ritz, will headline the AgCareers.com Roundtable dinner event on July 24th in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ritz created the first edible classroom in the world, using urban agriculture aligned to key school performance measurements to transform fragmented and marginalized communities into inclusive and thriving neighborhoods. “Mr. Ritz is a lively and powerful inspiration for igniting change and doing good in areas with the most need,” said Bonnie Johnson, Marketing & Communications Manager, AgCareers.com. 

Known as America’s favorite teacher, Ritz and his students have grown over 225,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx. Green Bronx Machine’s Classroom Curriculum aligns the art and science of growing vegetables with daily academic instruction and access to nutritious food. Plant life is used as a lens to teach multiple subjects including science, math, and language arts and inspire students’ curiosity. 

Recently recognized as a 2024 Most Innovative Company by Fast Company, Ritz and Green Bronx Machine are inspiring a movement that puts agriculture and project-based learning at the core of public education. By increasing access to nutrition education at the school level, the GBM program works to address food insecurity, improve access to heathy schools, impact whole-school performance, quality of teaching, quality of learning, teacher satisfaction, expose youth to workforce development pipelines, and foster healthier schools and resilient communities. Ritz and Green Bronx Machine have partnered towards more than 2,200 living wage jobs. Today, Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum serves over 875 schools in US and 20 nations around the globe working with 275,000 students and 10,000 teachers daily and is the subject of an award-winning documentary, GENERATION GROWTH. 

“Everyone is sure to be connected and re-energized by Stephen, especially those invested in developing talent in the industry,” added Johnson. Says Ritz: “One student at a time, one classroom at a time, one school at a time, we grow vegetables, our vegetables grow students, and our students and teachers grow high-performing schools and happier, healthier communities. I could not be more excited to attend the AgCareers.com Roundtable. To be in a room full of professionals dedicated to growing the next generation of farmers, innovators, individuals, and corporations focused upon feeding our nation and the world represents a perfect storm of opportunity.”

“Remember this, no farmers, no food! This event could not be more important!” says Ritz. “Further, the AgCareers.com Roundtable understands that when we invest in our schools and our communities, we can change the way children eat, learn, live, and access health equity and opportunities. When you change a classroom, you change a school, and when you change a school, you change a community, and when you change a community, you change lives, and can change the world. This event represents our collective moment. I am beyond excited and absolutely determined to bring and share my passion, purpose, and hope so we can grow something greater.”

By attending the AgCareers.com Roundtable, registrants not only have the opportunity to be inspired by Stephen Ritz and participate in a panel discussion on Cultivating the Future Pipeline, but also delve into two full days of education and networking around talent acquisition, development, and retention. The AgCareers.com Roundtable is a unique platform for creating connections, learning, and energizing attendees to feed the world with talent. 

Attendees and this program are eligible to earn Continuing Education Credits including 11 PDCs for SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP and 11 HR credits towards PHR, aPHRi, PHRca, SPHR, GPHR, PHRI, and SPHRi. Additional presenters include, MRA – The Management Association, a human resources service provider, and speakers including: Patrice Bailey, Rachel Beardsley, Deb Broberg, J. Randall Coffey, Kathryn Doan, Jean Drasgow, Jennifer Duffy, Claire Giancola-Belmares, Theresa Gridley, Megan Herman, Neal Horrom, Denise Jarvis, Katie Laven, Amy Lord, Philomena Morrissey Satre, Natasha Mortensen, Katie Muehlen, Derek Mulhern, Keith Olander, Carley Potter, Amy Ryan, Kari Scanlon, Jonathan Shaver, Jeffrey Stamp, Darren Tse, Traci Via, Ann Marie Ward, Chuck Wood. 

Optional events kick off on July 23rd in Minneapolis, followed by education and networking. 

For more information, visit https://www.agcareers.com/hr-round-table.cfm or email agcareers@agcareers.com.

About Stephen Ritz

Stephen Ritz is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning educator, author of best-selling book, The Power Of A Plant and Founder of Green Bronx Machine. Known as America’s favorite teacher and 2015 Top Ten Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, Stephen is responsible for creating the first edible classroom in the world. He and his students have grown more than 255,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx, were celebrated at the Obama White House three times, have been featured on the cover of TIME for KIDS, and are the subject of a new, full-feature documentary, Generation Growth. Stephen serves as a Senior Fellow in Social Innovation at Babson College and as a Board Member for the NYC Nutrition Education Network. Stephen is now appearing in the new PBS educational series Let’s Learn with Mister Ritz, was named the 2020 Change-Maker Award by NYC Food Policy Center for his response to COVID, named a 2021 Food Hero by TMZ Live, testified for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ending Hunger in America, and was awarded the 2021 Artemis CEA Disruptor Award for his work, advocacy, and impact in public schools across NYC and America. Stephen was awarded 2022 and 2023 Best of Bronx and is a member of the Food Transition Team and the Urban Agriculture Advisory Board for NYC Mayor, Eric Adams. Stephen was named 2023 Global Food Hero and celebrated by Anthem Awards for his non-profit leadership. Green Bronx Machine was just named by Fast Company as Most Innovative Company, 2024. 

About AgCareers.com

The mission of AgCareers.com is to deliver global talent solutions in agriculture and food, aiming to “Feed the World with Talent” in the industries we serve. Our commitment to agriculture is evident through our investment in time and resources, actively engaging with candidates and employers in the industry. AgCareers.com is dedicated to building the talent pipeline for the sector by expanding awareness about the diverse career opportunities available in agriculture and food. For more information, visit www.AgCareers.com.

#agriculture #farming #agcareers #cea #foodindustry #talentretention #hr #mentalhealth #foodservice #compensation #excellence #food #agcareers #aginvestment #ageducation #farmcareers #talentpipeline

Green Bronx Machine celebrates 5 years of partnership with Con Edison at ribbon-cutting ceremony at Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden at Community School 55

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Green Bronx Machine will welcome Con Edison, community members, local officials, students, parents, and guests from Google to tour the newly-reopened Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden at CS55. At 11:45, students will introduce attendees to all the flowers and crops they’ve been planting this semester and highlight the student-painted mural (supervised by artist Michela Muserra). At 12:00, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and vegetable and pollinator parade. At 12:30, guests will be invited to tour the National Health, Wellness & Learning Center and partake in a student-grown and student-prepared salad prepared in partnership with Chef Marian Laraia, Executive Culinary Instructor at Google.

WHEN: June 20, 2023, at 12:00pm

WHERE: CS 55 / Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden

450 St. Paul’s Place

Bronx NY 10456

“Con Edison applauds The Green Bronx Machine for their leadership in making the reopening of the Claremont Village Community Garden possible,” said Jen Hensley, senior vice president of corporate affairs for Con Edison. “We are proud that our partnership will expand access to green spaces and provide the Bronx and the residents of the Claremont Village neighborhood a revitalized space. Improving the quality of life for the communities we serve is core to Con Edison’s mission, and we’re especially thrilled this project focuses on native biodiversity, which is critical to the sustainability of our city. Even the bees will benefit from this blossoming garden!”

“The Adams Administration extends its profound gratitude to Con Edison for their ongoing support in the advancement of agricultural educational programming in schools throughout New York City. Through an extensive array of agricultural educational initiatives offered by The Green Bronx Machine, students have been granted invaluable opportunities to engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences. These activities have equipped students with practical knowledge pertaining to farming, food production, and the importance of embracing sustainable practices. Con Edison’s role in investing in these initiatives has rendered them an indispensable catalyst in inspiring the next generation of dedicated environmental stewards.”

-Kate MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy 

“Urban agriculture is critical to New York City. Having more community gardens where future climate stewards can grow fresh food and learn is key,” said Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture Executive Director Qiana Mickie. “Congratulations to Green Bronx Machine on the reopening of the Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden at CS 55! Kudos to Con Ed for understanding the importance of gardens in the lives of students, community residents, and supporting this garden.”

“I chose to fund the Green Bronx Machine because I support their mission to build healthy, equitable, and resilient communities. Thank you, Con Edison, for supporting the program’s efforts to unveil its community garden.”  Assembly Member Chantel Jackson, District 79, Bronx NY. 

Stephen Ritz, founder of Green Bronx Machine, says: “From day one, Con Edison has been a steadfast partner of Green Bronx Machine and our work throughout the Bronx. We thank Con Edison for supporting our programming – including our community gardens, our school gardens, and our lauded Green Bronx Machine in a Box program which has connected schools across District 9 in the Bronx.

Con Edison has been there to support our teachers, students, and schools with Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum, supplies, indoor academic gardens, ongoing professional development, and our unique Green Bronx Machine/Con Edison Connected Classroom programming. 

Today, we celebrate Con Edison’s generous support, which enabled us to rebuild and reopen Green Bronx Machine’s Con Edison Claremont Village Community Garden at CS 55, which will provide fresh food, STEM learning, and sustainability and career/technical education opportunities as well as a safe, healthy, open, and inviting space for our residents built upon restorative and regenerative practices. This is an initiative we can all be proud of as our children and staff have responded with unbounded love and enthusiasm. We look forward to expanding our partnership and growing something greater, together. Thanks, Con Edison for making epic happen!”

Principal Luis E Torres – Community School 55 added: “Through the work of Green Bronx Machine powered by Con Edison, Claremont Village is cleaner, greener, healthier, and happier. I’m thrilled to see that a program that started right here at Community School 55, is now impacting schools and communities across the Bronx. This partnership is a model of community programming and impact. Thanks to Con Edison and Green Bronx Machine, we are all breathing easier and eating healthier in community.”




About Green Bronx Machine

Founded in 2011 by Global Teaching Prize finalist and life-long educator Stephen Ritz, Green Bronx Machine (GBM) is an impact driven, for-purpose organization with 501(c)(3) status.  GBM builds healthy, equitable and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, its school-based model and propriety curriculum uses urban agriculture aligned to key school performance indicators, to grow healthy students and healthy schools.  Simultaneously, GBM also transforms once fragmented and marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving.

In the last year alone, GBM and Ritz have distributed more than 150,000 pounds of food, produced 5,000-plus pounds of produce grown locally in the Bronx, built and stocked three new food pantries, delivered weekly 152 backpacks of food to students and fulfilled more than 1,600 emergency food requests from families in need. Ritz and GBM also have trained nearly 1,500 teachers using GBM’s curriculum, impacting more than 275,000 students in the Bronx, across America and around the world and were proud to debut Let’s Learn with Mister Ritz, a PBS children’s show with more than 2 million views.

(https://greenbronxmachine.org/2022-impact-report/).

 For more information, visit https://greenbronxmachine.org.

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/green.BX.machine/

Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/greenbronxmachine/

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/greenBXmachine

YouTube:       https://www.youtube.com/c/Greenbronxmachine/about

About Consolidated Edison, Inc.

Consolidated Edison, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, with approximately $16 billion in annual revenues and $63 billion in assets. The company provides a wide range of energy-related products and services to its customers through the following subsidiaries: Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY), a regulated utility providing electric service in New York City and New York’s Westchester County, gas service in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens and parts of Westchester, and steam service in Manhattan; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), a regulated utility serving customers in a 1,300-square-mile area in southeastern New York State and northern New Jersey; and Con Edison Transmission, Inc., which falls primarily under the oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and manages, through joint ventures, both electric and gas assets while seeking to develop electric transmission projects that will bring clean, renewable electricity to customers, focusing on New York, New England, the Mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.

Green Bronx Machine Named a Finalist in the 2023 Classy Awards

The Classy Awards honor the impact of innovative nonprofits

Bronx, New York, April 18, 2023 — Green Bronx Machine, an impact driven, non-profit organization, has been named a Finalist in the 2023 Classy Awards. Classy, a giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with causes they care about, has named Green Bronx Machine as a finalist for the 2023 Classy Awards. The Classy Awards shine a spotlight on the innovative work nonprofits are implementing around the globe. Today, we’re proud to share that Green Bronx Machine In A Box has been recognized for its transformative effect on classrooms, academic performance, and behavioral outcomes across the nation and around the world. To support that effort, Green Bronx Machine has launched Green Bronx Machine Kids!, a YouTube channel geared towards students, teachers, parents, and farmers with weekly uploads featuring Board-of-Education-approved project-based lessons in nutrition, agriculture technology, and social-emotional learning.

Green Bronx Machine previously won Classy Awards in 2022 and 2021, and was the first organization to win two Classy Awards in different categories. Stephen Ritz, acclaimed teacher, founder of Green Bronx Machine, and author of The Power Of A Plant: A Teacher’s Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools, said: “To be recognized by Classy – the preeminent voice of and for impact in our space – speaks precisely to what Green Bronx Machine is all about and what we continually seek to do: MAKE EPIC HAPPEN! We congratulate our fellow finalists, and hope for the best! From the Bronx, to the world, at Green Bronx Machine, we can’t stop and won’t stop – we are determined to change the world!” 

This year, 11 Classy Awards will be distributed including the People’s Choice Award, which is determined by public vote. Supporters can vote here for Green Bronx Machine from April 6-April 25, 2023. Winners will be announced live on June 7 at the Collaborative by Classy conference in Philadelphia, PA. 

For more information on the Classy Awards, visit awards.classy.org. 

About Green Bronx Machine

Founded in 2011 by Global Teaching Prize finalist and life-long educator Stephen Ritz, Green Bronx Machine (GBM) is an impact driven, for-purpose organization with 501(c)(3) status.  GBM builds healthy, equitable and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, its school-based model and propriety curriculum uses urban agriculture aligned to key school performance indicators, to grow healthy students and healthy schools.  Simultaneously, GBM also transforms once fragmented and marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving.

In the last year alone, GBM and Ritz have distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food, produced 5,000-plus pounds of produce grown locally in the Bronx, built and stocked three new food pantries, delivered weekly 152 backpacks of food to students and fulfilled more than 1,600 emergency food requests from families in need. Ritz and GBM also have trained nearly 1,500 teachers using GBM’s curriculum, impacting more than 75,000 students in the Bronx, across America and around the world and were proud to debut Let’s Learn with Mister Ritz, a  PBS children’s show with more than 2 million views

(https://greenbronxmachine.org/2022-impact-report/).

For more information, visit https://greenbronxmachine.org.

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/green.BX.machine/

Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/greenbronxmachine/

Twitter:           https://twitter.com/greenBXmachine

YouTube:       https://www.youtube.com/c/Greenbronxmachine/about

About the Classy Awards
Started in 2009, the Classy Awards recognize nonprofits for their unique approaches and impact on our world. Decided by a well-respected group of judges, the Classy Awards bring together groundbreaking nonprofits and impact leaders to honor the achievements driving lasting change around the globe.

About Classy
Classy, an affiliate of GoFundMe, is a Public Benefit Corporation and giving platform that enables nonprofits to connect supporters with the causes they care about. Classy’s platform provides powerful and intuitive fundraising tools to convert and retain donors. Since 2011, Classy has helped nonprofits mobilize and empower the world for good by helping them raise over $5 billion. For more information, visit www.classy.org.

United Nations Partnership – the Power of Education to Spread Mediterranean Diet as Framework for Urban Sustainable Growth – 600 School Partnership

Green Bronx Machine, Future Food Institute, Mayor of Pollica, President of ICCAR- UNESCO, and Italian coordination of the UNESCO Emblematic Communities announce LIFESTYLE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE to partner with 600 schools in Italy to promote human and planetary health via Mediterranean Diet.

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UNITED NATIONS, NYC – November 22, 2022 – LIFESTYLE FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – a cultural asset and strategic tool for Sustainable Development: People, Planet, Prosperity featuring Mauricio Massari – Ambassador of Italy to the United Nations, Omar Kadiri – Ambassador of Morocco to the United Nations, Maurizio Martina – FAO Assistant Director General, Francesco Lollobrigada – Italian Minister of Agriculture & Food Sovereignty, Luigi Scordamaglia – CEO of Filiera Italia, Pier Luigi Petrillo – Board of UNESCO, Michael Sperling – The Culinary Institute of America, Stephen Ritz – Green Bronx Machine, Stefano Pisani – Mayor of Pollica, Ana Paula Martins – Mayor of Tavira, Mohamed Sefiani – Global Mayors for Climate and Energy, Jelena Ivanisevic – UNESCO, Croatia, Benedetto Zacchiroli – President of ICCAR-UNESCO-Sustainable Cities, held a policy and planning session hosted by Sara Roversi of Future Food Institute with focus on Mediterranean Diet “Feeding the Planet – Energy for Life” – a long term framework for advancing sustainable growth starting with the nexus between energy, agriculture, and health in support of United Nations SDG’s and announced a groundbreaking partnership to bring an educational initiative featuring Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum and Tower Garden growing technology, sponsored by the Municipality of Pollica and CampuStore, to 600 schools in Italy, year one, commencing January 2023.

Green Bronx Machine and Future Food Institute, led respectively by Stephen Ritz and Sara Roversi, have worked together for years with the goal of creating a global educational initiative. Building upon April 11, 2022, event in the Bronx, with Mayor Stefano Pisani of Pollica visiting the Bronx and gifting Italian heritage seeds to NYC Department of Education and NYC Mayor’s Office and Director of Food Policy Kate Mackenzie, the collective set forth on a plan to replicate GBM’s success in the US overseas and create a partnership and cultural exchange that will bring underserved students from both countries together to grow something greater. “Students in the Bronx grew these seeds all spring and summer long creating an international connection.” Said Ritz: “We collectively understand that the Mediterranean Diet is healthy for people and the planet. Our work is fundamentally aligned with the United Nations SDG’s and brings people together in the best interests of community and the planet.” Ritz goes on to say: “This partnership started with seeds – heirloom seeds from Italy and heirloom students from the Bronx and curious learners in Pollica – and we are determined to inspire healthy living and healthy learning, all around the world.” Says Sara Roversi: “The academic results, behavioral change, and amount of food grown via Green Bronx Machine using their Green Bronx Machine Curriculum and Tower Garden technology is the perfect recipe for introducing teachers and students to systemic change.” 

Per Mayor Stefano Pisani: “As Mayor of Pollica, the Italian UNESCO Emblematic Community of the Mediterranean Diet, I am particularly concerned about young people and schools where children learn and spend most of their time. Two pillars of Mediterranean good living are:  conviviality – the sharing of the meal and eating together for good health AND the garden – a source of constant learning and for the care of resources and our ecosystems. With Stephen Ritz, Green Bronx Machine Curriculum and Future Food Institute, we are aligned in values and the common mission to educate children.” Says Sara Roversi: “We have been working in Italy for years to raise both ecological consciousness and food literacy with all generations – this program makes that possible. Stephen Ritz and Green Bronx Machine are essential because their methodology has been proven. Working together and with the Municipality of Pollica and CampuStore in partnership with UNESCO to bring our content and culture to the forefront of regional and global attention is the model for success. I am ecstatic that we will begin with 600 schools to start, and we are just getting started.”

“At the heart of our work and Green Bronx Machine Curriculum are high performing schools, happy, healthy children, and well-prepared and well-trained teachers with access to resources and ongoing professional development – children and schools that function better and eat well, in line with the SDG’s,” says Ritz. “We are proud to use Tower Garden technology, a patented, aeroponic growing system with both indoor and outdoor compatibility that uses 95% less water and 90% less space to grow food all year long. Nothing could be simpler, more inclusive, or more student friendly.” Planned activities include school and cultural exchanges both in-person and virtually.  James Coffman, Director of Tower Garden states: “We at Tower Garden applaud this effort, understand the power of connecting and educating the next generation via food access and school programming and are proud to be the growing technology of choice for this bold initiative in Italy and look forward to growing together in communities across Europe and all around the world.”  Says Ritz “We are seed spreaders and peace promoters!” Summing it up Mayor Pisani states: “This partnership, with proven and dedicated partners, combined with government and industry support, will set the standard for communities to eat well, stay well, and save the planet!”

Future Food Institute exists to make exponential positive change, to sustainably improve life on earth, through education and innovation in global food systems. By training the next generation of change-makers, empowering communities, and engaging government and industry in actionable innovation, Future Food Institute catalyzes progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With offices, living labs, innovation hubs, and ambassadors around the world, the Future Food ecosystem is uniquely positioned to connect communities, generate ideas, and inspire action throughout the food system value chain. For more information:  www.futurefoodinstitute.org. 

Green Bronx Machine (GBM) is an impact driven, for-purpose organization with 501(c)(3) status. GBM builds healthy, equitable and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, its school-based model and propriety curriculum uses urban agriculture aligned to key school performance indicators, to grow healthy students and healthy schools.  Simultaneously, GBM also transforms once fragmented and marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving. For more information, visit https://greenbronxmachine.org.

In the last year alone, Green Bronx Machine has distributed more than 130,000 pounds of food, reclaimed over 10,000 pounds of food from landfill, produced 5,000-plus pounds of produce grown locally in the Bronx, built, and stocked three new food pantries, delivered weekly 152 backpacks of food to students and fulfilled more than 1,600 emergency food requests from families in need. Green Bronx Machine has trained nearly 1,500 teachers using their Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum, impacting more than 50,000 students throughout the Bronx, across America, and around the world. Recently named Social Innovation Award winners, Green Bronx Machine was named NYC Food Policy Center COVID Food Hero, is a Top Ten Health and Wellness Program in America, and named a three-time Top 100 Educational Innovation in the world. 

Green Bronx Machine Partners with DNB Bank ASA to Donate Laptops to Students

Newswise — Bronx, New York, June 21st 2022 — Green Bronx Machine, an impact driven, non-profit organization is partnering with DNB Bank ASA to provide 105 laptops to underprivileged students living in the poorest congressional district in the United States. These laptops, retrofitted by New York City Department of Education, will be donated directly to students to provide them with the tools they need in order to succeed help to bridge the “digital divide.”

Stephen Ritz, acclaimed teacher, founder of Green Bronx Machine, and author of The Power Of A Plant: A Teacher’s Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools, said: “Thanks to DNB, our students and families will now have access to state of the art technology at school and at home 24/7/365. This allows learning to continue seamlessly — for entire families — and is a phenomenal step in bridging the technology gap in a community that needs it most.”

A representative at DNB Bank ASA involved with the partnership with Green Bronx Machine said, “It is our pleasure to support the work and children of Green Bronx Machine. We know that access to functional technology is tantamount to both 21st Century learning and engagement. Here at DNB, we know the work that GBM does is critical to building healthier, resilient, and inclusive communities and we are proud supporters!”

The New York City Department of Education retrofitted the donated laptops, adding educational tools and games, supplemental materials, and software to allow teachers to pre-load the laptops with scoped and sequenced instructional materials. Students will be able to access all the added materials even without internet access, ensuring access to learning opportunities all summer long and into the future. These laptops will belong to these students in perpetuity.

“I feel like the luckiest student in NYC to finally have my own computer” said Kyle G, a fourth grader at CS 55. His mom added: “This changes everything for our family. We are so grateful and excited to learn together. I cannot thank you enough!”

“This donation is GAME-CHANGING,” continued Ritz, “and exemplifies the perfect, public-private, non-profit partnerships we strive to create at Green Bronx Machine. From day one, DNB has been committed to the health of our students and supported our programming. To think that children will have a laptop in their home that they can call their own and have the tools they need to thrive all summer long and into the future, facilitates every type of success we and our partners imagine. This is what commUNITY looks like and together, we’re growing people!”

In the last year alone, GBM and Ritz have distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food, produced 5,000-plus pounds of produce grown locally in the Bronx, built and stocked three new food pantries, delivered weekly 152 backpacks of food to students and fulfilled more than 1,600 emergency food requests from families in need. Ritz and GBM also have trained nearly 1,500 teachers using GBM’s curriculum, impacting more than 65,000 students in the Bronx, across America and around the world and were proud to debut Let’s Learn with Mister Ritz, a  PBS children’s show with more than 2 million views, which students will now be able to watch at home.

(https://greenbronxmachine.org/2021-impact-report/).

Green Bronx Machine Recognized as a 2022 Classy Award Winner

Newswise — Bronx, New York, June 16th 2022 — Green Bronx Machine, an impact driven, non-profit organization has been recognized as a 2022 Classy Award Winner. The Classy Awards recognize the work of nonprofits that are driving lasting impact around the world. Classy, two of its founders, and GoFundMe are awarding a $90K prize pool to support the initiatives of the winning nonprofit organizations. 13 award winners were selected from a competitive pool of over 1,700 programs that participated in the application process.

Green Bronx Machine previously won a Classy Award in 2021 and is now the first organization to win two Classy Awards in different categories. Stephen Ritz, acclaimed teacher, founder of Green Bronx Machine, and author of The Power Of A Plant: A Teacher’s Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools, said: “To be recognized by Classy – the preeminent voice of and for impact in our space – speaks precisely to what Green Bronx Machine is all about and what we continually seek to do: MAKE EPIC HAPPEN! This third-party validation helps change the narrative for students and communities like ours across the nation. We are humbled, grateful, and inspired as we look to the future and our continued growth. We are also forever grateful to our partners at Stepping Stones, in West Virginia, for facilitating the opportunity and Newman’s Own Foundation for providing funding and video documentation which this award celebrates. From the Bronx, to the world, at Green Bronx Machine, we can’t stop and won’t stop – we are determined to change the world!” 

“Classy Award nominees set the bar for ambitious, innovative, and impactful work in service of the greater good. These groundbreaking nonprofit organizations work tirelessly, often with too little resourcing and recognition, to drive change in their communities,” says Soraya Alexander, Classy’s COO. “We started the Classy Awards in 2009 as a way to honor this incredible cohort of organizations that give so much to the world. Congratulations to this incredible group of Classy Award winners, and a deep thank you for the work that you do.”

Now proudly in its ninth year, the Classy Awards is one of the largest social impact awards in the United States. This year’s 2022 Classy Award winners include a diverse array of organizations, from internationally recognized nonprofits tackling global issues such as food scarcity and access to healthcare to local programs that are creating equitable opportunities for workforce development and education. In 2021, the winning organizations collectively operated programs in 22 countries, reached more than seven million people, supported 70,000 students, and have dedicated a total of 186 years to their causes and missions.

This year’s class of winners includes 10 organizations awarded for their achievement in social innovation, one nonprofit awarded for its resilience in the face of ongoing challenges, a People’s Choice winner, presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits, which was determined by public vote, and a Lifetime Achievement Award, given to a nonprofit professional who has demonstrated excellence over the course of their career in the social sector.

About Green Bronx Machine

Founded in 2011 by Global Teaching Prize finalist and life-long educator Stephen Ritz, Green Bronx Machine (GBM) is an impact driven, for-purpose organization with 501(c)(3) status.  GBM builds healthy, equitable and resilient communities through inspired education, local food systems, and 21st Century workforce development. Dedicated to cultivating minds and harvesting hope, its school-based model and propriety curriculum uses urban agriculture aligned to key school performance indicators, to grow healthy students and healthy schools.  Simultaneously, GBM also transforms once fragmented and marginalized communities into neighborhoods that are inclusive and thriving.

In the last year alone, GBM and Ritz have distributed more than 100,000 pounds of food, produced 5,000-plus pounds of produce grown locally in the Bronx, built and stocked three new food pantries, delivered weekly 152 backpacks of food to students and fulfilled more than 1,600 emergency food requests from families in need. Ritz and GBM also have trained nearly 1,500 teachers using GBM’s curriculum, impacting more than 65,000 students in the Bronx, across America and around the world and were proud to debut Let’s Learn with Mister Ritz, a  PBS children’s show with more than 2 million views.

Green Bronx Machine is Proud to Announce Partnership with NYC HPD, NYCHA, and NYC HDC in collaboration with NRP Group, Selfhelp Real

HPD, NYCHA, & HDC ANNOUNCE PLANS AND PARTNERS TO BUILD A 195-HOME, WELLNESS-CENTERED, SUSTAINABLE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT FOR LOW-INCOME SENIORS IN THE BRONX  

NRP Group, Selfhelp Realty Group, and Foxy Management will develop a solar-oriented building on an underused section of the Morris Houses II campus in Morrisania, Bronx

The development will provide Bronx and NYCHA residents with a community health center, nutrition education space, and on-site career-training in healthcare and technology

Renderings courtesy of Magnusson Architecture and Planning

NEW YORK – The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) joins NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) today to announce plans to build approximately 195 deeply affordable homes for seniors in the neighborhood of Morrisania Bronx. The Sol on Park development will give rise to a 15-story mixed-use building paired with a new community health center, a nutrition education facility, and a career-training spaces accessible to residents and the community at-large. 

“As we try to make New York City healthier, greener, more affordable, and more prosperous, we need projects like this one that do everything at the same time,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We are creating homes for hundreds of Bronxites and New Yorkers, and we are doing it the right way — with access to the economic opportunity and health resources we all need.”

“Seniors are the heart and soul of our communities and Sol on Park exemplifies the highest quality of housing and support we ought to provide seniors to age in place with dignity and comfort,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “With new facilities for healthcare, nutrition, and career training, Sol on Park allows us to invest in the entire neighborhood’s health and future well-being while bringing much needed affordable homes to the Morrisania neighborhood. Thank you to our development partners NRP Group, Selfhelp, and Foxy Management for such a creative and holistic plan. Congratulations!” 

“NYCHA is committed to ensuring that the population of older New Yorkers who enrich our neighborhoods are able to thrive here, and we will continue to use our underutilized assets in support of this goal,” said NYCHA Chair & CEO Greg Russ. “We are excited to assist HPD, HDC, and the development team assembled to bring the Sol on Park project to fruition – and look forward to realizing this exciting new model for safe and affordable senior housing.”  

“In addition to 195 deeply affordable homes, the sustainably designed Sol on Park will offer educational and wellness services to support our senior residents and the surrounding community,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “Congratulations to the development team and thank you to all of our partners for their ongoing efforts to create a healthier, more affordable city for all New Yorkers.”

Council Member Althea Stevens said, “I am excited about the introduction of the new development planning to enter the Morrisania community. It is important that we are investing in our older adult population to ensure healthier and equitable accessibility in their daily lives. Also, this development will serve vital assent in the progress in establishing more opportunities for permanent housing, rather than temporary housing.”

“The NRP Group has always strived to deliver high-quality “healthy housing” developments that put betterment and wellbeing at the center of apartment living,” said NRP Group Senior Vice President Jonathan Gertman. “That is why we are so pleased to join with our team members, along with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the NYC Housing Authority, to bring Sol on Park to life. Located on the Morris Houses campus, Sol on Park will deliver critical wrap-around services that enable senior residents – and community members of all ages – to fulfill their highest potential. This special development will feature 195 beautifully designed apartment homes activated with premium healthcare services, health and wellness amenities, workforce training and job placement, and other life affirming services. It will be a launch pad for personal and community development, economic revitalization, and pathways of opportunity and hope.”

A development team comprised of NRP Group, Selfhelp Realty Group, and Foxy Management was selected to construct Site 1 of the Seniors First Kingsborough and Morris Houses RFP located at the corner of St. Paul’s Place and Park Avenue within the Morris II public housing development in Morrisania Bronx. Sol on Park employs a health-centric design and a robust social services model for senior households earning up to 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI), or approximately $41,800 annually for a single occupant. All households will receive project-based Section 8 vouchers, with a portion of homes set aside for both NYCHA residents and seniors experiencing homelessness. Social services for the seniors will be provided by Selfhelp’s Active Services for Aging Model (SHASAM), helping residents to manage chronic health issues, aging, and providing culturally competent health programming.

The project is part of the City’s Seniors First initiative to develop and preserve senior housing on NYCHA land and support the growth of New York’s aging population.  NYCHA staff met with residents and resident leaders of Morris Houses in 2019 to inform the developments plans which honor residents’ preferences for senior affordable housing designed to support healthcare services, outdoor activities, nutrition, jobs, and amenities that serve seniors. 

“Housing is health; health is housing”   

The development team gave the project the theme “housing is health; health is housing,” speaking to its design and features that promote healthy living and healthy lifestyles. NYCHA and HPD sought community input to determine the development’s public-facing facilities and partnered with highly regarded local organizations on utilizing 11,500 square feet of space for new community resources including new healthcare, nutrition, and career training facilities.

 Sol on Park plans include:  

  • The Union Community Health Center, delivering a combination of primary care, dental services, behavioral health services, physical and occupational therapy and will include career fellowship programs in healthcare, dental care, and health administration.
  • The Green Bronx Machine’s National Health & Wellness Center to bring urban agriculture and nutritional education programming dedicated to youth and intergenerational engagement.    
  • The SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center to focus on adult education and training for careers in healthcare and technology, helping to grow the area’s healthcare workforce and career development opportunities.   
  • Selfhelp’s Home Care Program and Training Center for Home Health Aides to prepare community members for careers in at-home care. 

Magnusson Architecture and Planning brought to life the development’s health-focused design. The new apartments allow for natural light and ventilation while creating a sense of eyes on the streets and connection to the community. Additionally, the homes are designed to have distinct spaces for cooking, dining, socializing, and sleeping.  Cascading roof terraces, multiple floors of community space, a large pedestrian plaza and a shared walkway with the adjacent NYCHA campus will top off the development’s dynamic design.    

Sol on Park is also designed to achieve a LEED Platinum Rating for sustainable design, an ENERGY STAR certification for emitting fewer greenhouse gases, and the highest rating from Fitwel, which sets global standards for the building design and development practices in support of healthier and equitable access to a higher quality of life.    

“Selfhelp Realty Group is extremely proud to be partnering with NRP Group and Foxy Management to expand the availability of affordable housing for seniors, NYCHA residents, and formerly homeless individuals in Morrisania,” said Selfhelp Community Services CEO Stuart C. Kaplan. “For decades, Selfhelp has been building affordable housing and offering services through its recognized service model, SHASAM (Selfhelp Active Services for Aging Model). We’re honored to further our partnership with HPD, NYCHA and HDC and to join with our partners to promote health and wellness, education, and career development for the community. Selfhelp will expand its Home Care Training Program to Sol on Park, providing new employment opportunities for the community.”

“The need for affordable senior housing is tremendous and is getting more dire as the senior population is expected to triple, costs of living continue to rise, and the aging housing stock in our city is less and less accessible to our most vulnerable residents,” said Foxy Management Principle Jeff Fox. “Sol on Park will address this need head-on, in part by creating a health-centric senior community that will serve as an anchor for a better future. Foxy is dedicated to the communities it serves and particularly to developing senior communities where older adults may thrive and live in dignity.  We are thrilled to work with NRP, Selfhelp and MAP to bring the proposal to life.”

“For Magnusson Architecture & Planning, aging in place with dignity is an essential theme of Sol on Park, driving a design process that went from the inside out,” said Magnusson Architecture & Planning Director of Planning and Urban Design Brian Loughlin. “Turning the floor plates 45-degrees will yield light-filled apartments with multiple exposures and alcoves for more livable spaces. An emphasis on indoor air quality, healthy materials, access to the outdoors and shared amenity spaces, will bolster both mental and physical health. Opportunities for socialization and connections to neighbors continue through thoughtful urban design. The building’s site placement, terraced massing, and pedestrian-friendly open spaces preserve light and air between the nearby structures and make the development’s health-focused community programming easily accessible to residents of the surrounding area.”

“One of the largest and most trusted community health centers in New York, UNION has been providing continuous healthcare services to Bronx residents for over 100 years.  We are excited about our partnership with HPD, NYCHA, HDC and even more so for the seniors of Sol on Park and the Morrisania community,” said Dr. Douglas L. York, President and CEO of Union Community Health Center. “Our commitment to the Sol on Park senior residence and wellness center will further allow us to respond to the social determinants of health our community faces daily and extend our mission to reach those most in need of quality healthcare and specialty services.”

“This is what commUNITY looks like!” says Stephen Ritz, Founder of Green Bronx Machine. “At Green Bronx Machine, intergenerational programming has been at the heart of our award-winning work and curriculum. This partnership allows our children to take their knowledge, passion, purpose, and hope and work together with the eyes, ears, and gatekeepers of our community, to inspire healthy living, healthy learning, combat climate change and grow something greater while systemically addressing our most pressing needs; a wholly virtuous cycle. With our national headquarters in Claremont Village, we could not be prouder to be part of this brilliant team.”

“The SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center is excited to partner on this project to provide adult education and workforce development to support this housing development,” said SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center Executive Director/CEO Ronnie Hector. “While housing remains a crucial concern for New Yorkers, it is refreshing to see that a developer comprehensively understands the need to partner with local institutions to support community upliftment and upward mobility.  The SUNY Bronx EOC is delighted to be a part of this creative and innovative way of housing and community development. The SUNY Bronx EOC will provide entry-level allied health training along with GED, college preparation and Microsoft office specialist training in support of the community residence economic and social upward mobility.”

“Today’s announcement is a huge win and a step forward towards ensuring our older New Yorkers have access to safe, quality, affordable housing in our borough. Our seniors are the pioneers and trailblazers that paved the way for us to be here and they deserve housing that addresses their unique needs,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson “I want to congratulate The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, NYC Housing Authority, the NYC Housing Development Corporation, NRP Group, Selfhelp Realty Group, and Foxy Management for their work on this important mixed-use housing development. The partnerships with The Union Community Health Center, The Green Bronx Machine’s National Health & Wellness Center, The SUNY Bronx Educational Opportunity Center, and Selfhelp’s Home Care Program and Training Center for Home Health Aides brings important amenities to this project that address health and wellness, holistic care and wraparound services for our older adults.”

“This 15-story affordable housing project will take advantage of an underused lot in Morris Houses and provide low-income seniors in my district with a much-needed affordable place to live. Further, these residents will have access to a one-of-a-kind community health center that will offer them a variety of resources and services that will help them lead a healthier lifestyle,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I want to thank all public and private partners including trusted Bronx health institutions such as UCHC and The Green Bronx Machine for creating this unique model that will increase access to affordable housing while integrating access to healthy activities in my district.”

“As was made clear by a survey our office recently administered, people in the Bronx desperately want to see increases in the borough’s stock of affordable housing, health services, and resources for seniors,” said Assemblymember Chantel Jackson. “With these goals in mind, I am excited by the HPD’s decisions to construct a new affordable development in the Morrisania area that will prioritize the needs of seniors and host multiple community health centers.”

“Providing our seniors with decent and affordable housing is essential,” said Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “This development is a model for affordable housing that provides residents with the resources that holistically invests in the health and success of our communities. I look forward to the completion of Sol on Park to ensure the seniors in our borough get the support they deserve.”

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