On October 18, Foodlink celebrated its new Edible Education Center and the transformation of its Community Farm in Rochester’s Edgerton neighborhood.
The community garden at the Foodlink Community Farm is the largest and most productive urban farm in Rochester. It was founded in 2011 after New American families advocated for space to grow fresh, culturally relevant food.
The new 2,800-square-foot Edible Education Center will host nutrition workshops, school field trips, and community events, while also providing resources to help residents navigate benefit programs. Foodlink is partnering with the Rochester City School District to teach students about farming, cooking, and nutrition, connecting youth directly to the source of their food.
“This is a space that is safe, vibrant, and open to community members,” added Julia Tedesco, Foodlink President & CEO. “We are especially eager to show off this space to thousands of children in the years ahead so they can learn, grow, and experience the power of food.”
The $2 million expansion also includes a 3,000-square-foot greenhouse for year-round growing and 160 new raised beds, bringing the total to more than 220 beds providing fresh produce for over 100 families.
“The renovation and expansion here at the Foodlink Community Farm is a game changer, one that I am proud to have delivered the needed resources to make happen,” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark. “This beautiful space, new greenhouse and Edible Education Center will improve what is already an incredible community resource for the Northwest Quadrant and Rochester as a whole.”
SWBR provided architecture, landscape architecture, and structural engineering design services for the project.
Read more about the project and Foodlink’s mission here: Foodlink Community Farm celebrates year of growth at annual Fall Fest – Foodlink Inc
Additional News Stories:
Foodlink unveils new Edible Education Center at annual Fall Festival Saturday – WHEC.com
Foodlink Community Farm unveils Edible Education Center at annual Fall Fest