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October 30, 2008

Highlights from Summer 2008 Program

Another busy and successful summer has passed here at EATWISE HQ. We wanted to share with you some of the highlights of the Summer Program. Included below are some writings, some photos, and some ideas that came from our summer youth.

Neighborhood Shopping Experience Workshop

By Sylvia and Nikki

Our preconceptions before we went shopping in Columbus Circle were that prices would be more expensive, than the produce we were shopped for in Harlem. The quality would be fresher, and the stores would be cleaner. There would also be a greater variety of produce and a more organic selection.
In actuality, when we came together as a full group and compared the cost of items on our shopping list to the prices in Harlem, the prices were cheaper in Columbus Circle. We saw that the produce shopped for in Columbus Circle was cheaper because they had a lot more variety than what was shopped for in Harlem also in addition more fresh. We also observed that there was more availability in Harlem because there were a lot of smaller bodega’s in Harlem as opposed to A few very big chain supermarkets in Columbus Circle. Overall, the qualities of produce in the stores were cleaner and the variety was much greater in Columbus Circle. However, when compared with Columbus Circle there were stores in Harlem that were grocery stores and supermarkets with some similar qualities. Nevertheless, there were a greater number of grocery stores with organic produce to choose from in Columbus Circle than in Harlem.

EATWISE at the Bissell Gardens

EATWISE interns visited and worked in the Bissell Gardens. Here are two interns’ description of their experiences and what they learned about the Gardens.

Bissell Gardens
Jamie Tam
Allison Ng

Bissell Gardens is a non-profit garden in a five block area in the Bronx. Each block in the garden had its own purpose. Some of the activities we did were watering the plants, pulling out weeds, replanting trees, and organizing plants. During the tour of the garden we saw vegetables and fruits such as blueberries, okra, tomatoes, squash, and lavender. Block Three is a community garden where you grow flowers and/or veggies in raised plots. Block Four is a children’s garden, an area for programs, a compost area, and an area that grows food for our farmers market at Union Square. The garden seemed safe because there were a lot of plants. Despite the first impression that it’s safe, there were areas of the garden that had garbage thrown from the closest train tracks. That area also had a lot of crime in the past due to the drug dealing and prostitution. It’s safe during the day from our experience. People of all ages would be interested in the history of the garden. Anybody that goes there to visit would be able to learn about how some of their fruits or vegetables are grown and how they need to be taken care of. Visitors who volunteer would have a chance to bond with other workers. The Bissell Gardens is also a good place to take family pictures. So when you have free time, take your family to 4378 Wickham Avenue, Bronx, NY 10466, where everyone is welcomed to volunteer.

References: Bissell Garden’s Website (Date Accessed August 6, 2008)

Working in the Garden at PS 154

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