By Tricia G., Buffalo Exchange Tucson

Our Chelsea location has chosen GrowNYC as one of the beneficiaries of their Tokens for Bags® donations! Shoppers are encouraged to accept a token instead of a bag for purchases, which donates five cents (the cost of the bag) to a charity of the customer’s choice.

GrowNYC is an organization that supports regional agriculture while promoting affordable, organic nutrition to urban neighborhoods. Their many programs include creating Greenmarkets, recycling, education and outreach, helping communities and schools grow gardens, Youthmarkets, and much more.

GrowNYC’s Greenmarkets started in 1976, and has expanded into a large, diverse network of 54 Markets. The Greenmarkets provide regional agriculture and family farms a place to sell their fresh, locally grown products to New York urban communities. You can search for your closest Greenmarket here.

GrowNYC has also established Youthmarket Farm Stands which are operated by neighborhood youth. The Youthmarkets teach the neighborhood youth about business, nutrition, the environment, and agriculture. The markets also support the health of the neighborhood by providing access to affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Open Space Greening program works with neighborhoods, housing associates, and schools to create gardens out of vacant urban spaces. These spaces offer communities access to urban agriculture while teaching them about agriculture and nutrition. Rainwater harvesting systems have also been added to many of these gardens.

GrowNYC partnered with The Trust for Governors Island to create the recently opened Governors Island Teaching Garden! The 8,000 square foot farm space is a place where students can learn about urban farming through hands on programs and field trips. Hands-on activities include things like planting, watering, harvesting, and cooking. The Garden is also open to the public on weekends during certain times of the year.

Buffalo Exchange is a proud supporter of GrowNYC! Visit our Chelsea store in Manhattan to donate to this enriching organization through our Tokens for Bags® program! We have raised nearly $550,000 for thousands of local nonprofit organizations since 1994 through Tokens for Bags®, saving 10.9 million bags from polluting the environment.

Not in the NYC-area? See what inspiring charities your local Buffalo Exchange is supporting here!