S:US Hosts 15th Annual Harvest Celebration, Showcasing Urban Farms Program’s Impact
Urban Farms team with Mike Hollis, VP of Community Food Security (center) and Monica Santos, Chief Program Officer (center).
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 12, 2025
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Urban Farms Program has grown over 12,000 pounds of food to keep vulnerable New Yorkers from going hungry
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Brooklyn, NY – Earlier today, Services for the UnderServed (S:US) hosted its 15th Harvest Celebration, an annual gathering of farmers, volunteers, and community leaders who are leading the fight against rising food insecurity during Hunger Action Month.
The Harvest Celebration showcases the work of S:US’ Urban Farms program, which engages more than 700 individuals in therapeutic horticulture, nutrition programming, and vocational training. Participants consist of community members who live in S:US supportive and deeply affordable housing.
The Harvest Celebration comes as food insecurity reaches record-high levels. In the last year alone, the Urban Farms program cultivated over 12,000 pounds of fresh produce and honey across 98 growing sites across New York City. This harvest translates to about 8,500 meals, with an estimated market value of $51,000.
“Rising hunger is an increasingly dire issue across New York City. Standing on the sidelines is not an option for the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Perry Perlmutter, President and CEO of Services for the UnderServed. “At Services for the UnderServed, we believe that all New Yorkers deserve to eat nutritious food and have a roof over their head. As we face federal cuts to food benefits funding, our Community Food Security programming, including Urban Farms, will continue to lend a helping hand and keep New Yorkers in need fed.”
“S:US has a bold vision for a future where every New Yorker has a home and the resources to live a healthy life. Food security is a critical piece of that vision and is reflected in all of the work we celebrate today,” said Mike Hollis, VP, Community Food Security at Services for the UnderServed.
Complementing Urban Farms, S:US’ five community fridges—three in Brooklyn and two in the Bronx—have been running since 2022 and are stocked regularly for neighbors in need. S:US also operates seasonal Food Tote Drives to assemble and deliver donations of fresh fruits and vegetables to children at our supportive housing and shelter sites throughout the summer.
This year’s Harvest Celebration was held at Alafia, a new multi-phased, mixed-use affordable and supportive housing development that will bring 2,400 homes to East New York. The organization held a food drive, and attendees participated in wellness and nutritional education activities, ate fresh food grown from S:US’ Urban Farms, and heard from community advocates. The donations from the food drive will support S:US’ ongoing efforts to provide vital food assistance to families and communities in need.
For more information on Services for the UnderServed, visit sus.org.
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About Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
S:US envisions a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy, productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose. S:US has a staff of 1,800 that provides $315 million in services. Their efforts are supported by various local, state, and federal government entities, foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Most importantly, S:US’ vision allows the organization to deliver the same quality of services to one individual or to thousands.
