Gravesend School Kicks Off Weekly Farmer’s Market

It’s been a while since we checked in with the folks over at the Edible Schoolyard, an experimental educational program to bring children closer to their food sources. The program launched with private and public funds at P.S. 216  (350 Avenue X) in October, and in good time it began looking mighty lush.

The verdant schoolyard is full of fruits, vegetables and herbs, and a stroll through its narrow, mulch-covered path is more reminiscent of a trip to a national parkland than a New York City playground. But a playground it is, tended to by students, teachers and their families.

The schoolyard launched, touting plans to help raise funds by selling their produce to the public, and that program has finally kicked off. Every Thursday while the harvest lasts, they’ll be hosting a small farmer’s market, with goods plucked straight from the ground. Tables will hawk the goods from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., giving a narrow window to get some of the freshest goods available in Gravesend.

Available at the market this season is eggplant, lettuce, Swiss chard, kale, flowers, radishes, tomatoes, a variety of herbs and more.

“Everything is grown and harvested by the summer program here, and originally planted by the students,” said Vera Fabian, the head garden teacher. The summer program invites families of P.S. 216 students to tend the grounds during the recess months, and enjoy a meal made from the produce.