Projects & Initiatives
Albany Victory Gardens Food Systems Project
What began as the conversion of an abandoned parking lot into a thriving Albany community garden has grown into a comprehensive model for urban farming, food access, and neighborhood revitalization. The Albany Victory Gardens (AVG) initiative now includes interconnected programs that provide fresh food access, job training, and ecological restoration across West Hill.
Albany Victory Community Gardens in West Hill
Located at 456 1st Street, Albany NY, our flagship garden provides year-round access for residents to grow, share, and harvest their own produce. The West Hill community garden also improves local air and water quality while creating safe green spaces for neighbors to gather.
Urban Farmers Training Program (Albany UFTP)
The Urban Farmers Training Program in Albany equips residents with professional farming skills, certifications, and business knowledge to grow food and sell produce. Graduates earn credentials through the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Produce Safety Alliance, opening doors to entrepreneurship. Vacant lots are converted into urban micro-farms and greenhouses, allowing participants to build food-based businesses and property ownership in West Hill.
Micro-Farm Project in Albany
Through the Micro-Farm Project, neglected city lots are transformed into greenhouse-supported farms that provide jobs, income, and local food security. This project increases neighborhood food production while supporting Albany’s movement toward sustainable urban agriculture.
West Hill Farmers Market – Albany, NY
The West Hill Farmers Market gives residents affordable access to locally grown fruits and vegetables, with priority for neighborhood farmers and graduates of the Urban Farmers Training Program. Through veggie vouchers and Double Up Food Bucks Albany, families can stretch food dollars while directly supporting local farmers in Albany.
Albany Produce Pickup Project
Four days per week, residents can pick up free fresh produce through the Produce Pickup Project in West Hill, run by community volunteers. This program increases food access in Albany while also connecting families to resources, education, and community partners.
Building Food Justice and Community Health in Albany
The Eden’s Rose Foundation is committed to creating food justice in Albany by increasing fresh food access, urban farming opportunities, and sustainable community development. Our programs:
- Expand Albany food security and nutrition access
- Provide job training and economic opportunity in urban agriculture
- Reclaim vacant lots into green spaces and community farms
- Improve environmental health through stormwater retention and air quality
- Strengthen neighborhood resilience and pride in West Hill
What started with one neglected parking lot has blossomed into a model of community resilience in Albany. The Albany Victory Gardens prove that when neighbors have the right tools and resources, they can transform systemic challenges into thriving community solutions.