Roots & Wisdom

Roots and Wisdom, an agriculture and community service program, brings together Schenectady County residents to naturally grow vegetables for sale within Schenectady County and to be donated to local food pantries. Program participants actively learn about sustainable agriculture, hunger, nutrition, and diversity. Roots and Wisdom’s participants, through hard work and community service, create genuine change in Schenectady.

Where is the garden?

Our main garden is located at the Sustainable Living Center at 180 PTL Arthur Chaires Lane in Central Park, next to the tennis courts.

What do you do with the produce you grow?

Farm Stand – part of our summer growing program is running the farm stand located at the Sustainable Living Center. For the 2023 growing season, the farm stand will be open Mondays 12 pm-4 pm and Thursdays, 12 pm- 4 pm, mid-June through the last week in September.

Harvest Share Information – during the growing season, our produce is sold to local residents through a modified CSA called Harvest Share. Members sign up during the winter for a season of locally- and naturally- grown vegetables for weekly pick up. Harvest Share information for the 2024 growing season is here.

Roots & Wisdom also makes weekly donations to various food pantries throughout Schenectady County during the harvest season.

Are there volunteer opportunities in the program?

YES! Adult volunteers are needed during the spring, summer and fall seasons. Volunteers will learn hands-on gardening skills and enjoy a few hours of a relaxing time spent in an urban garden.

If you are interested in volunteering, view the volunteer application instructions, fill out and return our volunteer application to Hassleer Jacinto-Whitcher at hlj28@cornell.edu or in person at the Sustainable Living Center.

Can I donate to the program?

Yes! Financial contributions are greatly appreciated! Click for the 2023 Winter Appeal form. Online donations can be made through Paypal. Please note Roots and Wisdom in the memo.