Rooftop farm in Hell's Kitchen helps bring fresh produce to local community

Hidden oasis on top of a church in busy NYC neighborhood produces 500 pounds of food per season to support local food pantry

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the heart of New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, a rooftop farm atop Metro Baptist Church is growing fresh produce to support the local Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries Food Pantry, which serves close to 1,500 people per month. The Hell's Kitchen Farm Project initiative relies on volunteers and community support to cultivate this urban oasis, with the goal of increasing access to nutritious food for vulnerable residents.

Why it matters

With limited access to affordable, fresh produce in many urban food deserts, community-driven initiatives like the Hell's Kitchen Farm Project are playing a vital role in addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy eating habits. The farm's location on a church rooftop also highlights innovative ways that religious institutions can leverage underutilized spaces to benefit their local communities.

The details

The Hell's Kitchen Farm Project produces around 500 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each growing season, which are then donated to the nearby Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries Food Pantry. Dozens of volunteers, including Amy O'Brien and Scott Weinstein, have pitched in to help plant, water, and maintain the rooftop garden, which features a variety of crops like tomatoes, greens, and herbs. The organization Earth Day Initiative has also played a key role in supporting the farm and raising awareness about its impact.

  • The Hell's Kitchen Farm Project was established on the rooftop of Metro Baptist Church.
  • The farm produces around 500 pounds of fresh produce each growing season.
  • The Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries Food Pantry, which the farm supports, serves close to 1,500 people per month.

The players

Hell's Kitchen Farm Project

A community-driven initiative that operates a rooftop farm atop Metro Baptist Church in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, with the goal of increasing access to fresh produce for local residents.

Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries Food Pantry

A food pantry located near the Hell's Kitchen Farm Project that receives and distributes the farm's produce, serving close to 1,500 people per month.

Earth Day Initiative

An organization that supports the Hell's Kitchen Farm Project and helps raise awareness about the farm's impact, as well as hosting the annual Earth Day Festival in Union Square.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The goal is to promote and increase access to fresh produce for our most vulnerable members of Hell's Kitchen, and also to promote food literacy.”

— Chrisaleen Ciro, Hell's Kitchen Farm Project

“It's important to raise awareness about the innovation that's happening up on the rooftop here. I mean, I personally come into Port Authority every day on the bus from New Jersey. I had no idea this was here.”

— Amy O'Brien, Volunteer

“When I think about New York City and how many rooftops are out there, I think this could be done, you know, just exponentially.”

— Scott Weinstein, Volunteer

What’s next

The Hell's Kitchen Farm Project plans to continue expanding its operations and increasing the amount of fresh produce it can provide to the local food pantry. The organization is also exploring ways to engage more community members as volunteers and raise awareness about the importance of urban agriculture and food access.

The takeaway

The Hell's Kitchen Farm Project demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can leverage underutilized urban spaces to address food insecurity and promote sustainable, healthy eating habits. By partnering with local organizations and tapping into the energy of dedicated volunteers, the farm is making a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable residents in one of New York City's most densely populated neighborhoods.