For a decade, the Science Barge, anchored in the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, has been changing the way people think about the availability of fresh food in urban areas. A project of Groundwork Hudson Valley (GWHV), this floating farm and education center runs solely on renewable energy, growing produce using urban farming methods like aquaponics, hydroponics and aeroponics.

Through educational programs, the Science Barge and its greenhouse give students the opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, witness the seed-to-harvest cycle and taste fresh fruits and vegetables. GWHV’s education team also teaches hands-on science lessons in Yonkers public schools. These lessons supplement the STEM education provided in those schools and align with New York State Next Generation Science Standards.

One of GWHV’s most unique in-school offerings is Feed Your Future, a program the Science Barge team developed as local ambassadors of the Jamie Oliver Food Revolution. With funding from the Junior League of Bronxville, the program engaged numerous students from the Robert C. Dodson School in Yonkers in a lesson on choosing foods to feed the brain, increase physical activity and boost immunity. The lesson connected nutrition to greater success in academics and future careers. The program culminated with the creation of a massive salad from produce harvested from the Science Barge. The meal was shared by more than 140 students and faculty at the school.

Feed Your Future is part of a larger mission to empower communities to reclaim and revitalize environmentally and economically under-served neighborhoods, says Felipe Ramirez, development and communications associate for GWHV.

“Groundwork Hudson Valley is proud to deliver this dynamic program that focuses on nutrition and urban agriculture as part of their sustainability education program for the Yonkers school system,” he says.

For more info, visit GroundworkHV.org.