Business Details
5 Years
experience
Building Sustainable Food Systems in Newark
Urban Agriculture Cooperative is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to strengthening local food systems in Newark, NJ. Founded in 2021, we connect underserved urban growers with consumers through a food hub distributing New Jersey-grown products via farmers markets and wholesale channels. Our team brings decades of combined experience in urban agriculture, community development, and sustainable food systems, with expertise in market development, food distribution, and policy advocacy.We operate with a commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic equity, maintaining transparent partnerships with healthcare institutions, schools, and community organizations. Our work focuses on reducing food deserts, expanding access to fresh produce, and creating workforce development opportunities for local residents.
Services
Food Hub Distribution
Farmers Market Support
Food Systems Consulting
Workforce Development
Community Garden Design
Produce Aggregation
Nutrition Education
Urban Farm Planning
Policy Advocacy
Food Access Programs
Details
- Year established: 2021
Highlights and features
- We specialize in urban agriculture solutions with 15+ years of leadership experience in local food systems
- Our team holds advanced degrees in city planning, sustainable food systems, and community development
- We maintain institutional partnerships with healthcare providers and schools across Northern New Jersey
- Our operations include electric vehicle deliveries and GIS-optimized distribution networks
- We've developed scalable models for reducing food waste and expanding market access for small farmers
Services
Food Hub Distribution
Our food hub coordinates fresh produce distribution from 30+ local farms to families, schools, and healthcare institutions. We manage logistics for subsidized farm boxes delivered to 200+ households bi-weekly and supply wholesale clients through efficient aggregation systems. This service strengthens market access for small farmers while improving food security in underserved communities.
Farmers Market Support
We operate inclusive farmers markets across Newark with specialized programs for SNAP recipients and senior citizens. Our services include vendor coordination, technical assistance, and nutrition education initiatives. Markets feature products from urban growers and rural partners while supporting local economic development through chef demonstrations and community partnerships.
Workforce Development
Our apprenticeship programs train 10+ high school students annually in sustainable agriculture practices. Participants gain hands-on experience at Rider Farm and through school-based hydroponic projects. The curriculum combines agricultural education with food systems psychology principles to develop future leaders in urban farming and community nutrition.
Community Garden Design
We design and implement ecological infrastructure projects including hydroponic labs, healing gardens, and school farms. Recent projects include the West Side High School Rider Farm and Lincoln Elementary hydroponics lab. Our designs integrate art, sustainability, and community engagement to transform underutilized spaces into productive food-growing environments.
Food Systems Consulting
We provide expert consultation on urban agriculture policy and food system development. Our team contributes to statewide initiatives like the Food Democracy Collaborative and Garden State Preservation Trust. Services include market analysis, supply chain optimization, and strategic planning for institutions seeking to increase local food procurement.
People
Emilio Panasci
Executive Director
Founder with 15 years in urban agriculture, holds Masters in City Planning from Rutgers. Developed market solutions for food-insecure neighborhoods and built institutional partnerships with healthcare providers and schools.
Ursula Kirk
Farm to City Director
Former Peace Corps Volunteer with organic farming expertise, manages wholesale operations and farmers market programs. Holds economics degree from Florida A&M University and combines retail experience with agricultural knowledge.
Bridgette Byrd
Workforce and Apprenticeships Lead
Sustainable food systems specialist with master's from Arizona State University. Develops youth programs at Rider Farm and implements food waste reduction initiatives recognized by Newark's Community Partner of the Year award.
Ayushi Shah
Logistics & Supply Chain Support
Urban design expert with NJIT degrees, develops GIS mapping systems for efficient food distribution. Focuses on integrating food systems analysis into urban planning practices to combat food insecurity.
Rahshemah Wise
Communications and Marketing Manager
Newark native with sociology background from Yale University, manages storytelling initiatives and community engagement programs. Coordinates social media campaigns and fundraising efforts to promote local food system development.
Questions
How does Urban Agriculture Cooperative source its produce?
We partner with over 30 local urban and rural farms across New Jersey to source fresh, seasonal produce for our distribution programs and farmers markets.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer volunteer roles in farming, market management, food access programs, and outreach initiatives. Opportunities include planting, harvesting, and community education activities.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide agricultural education through school partnerships, including hydroponic lab programs and farm-to-school initiatives serving 1000+ families annually.
How can local farmers collaborate with UAC?
Farmers can join our network for market access, technical assistance, and participation in wholesale distribution programs to institutions and food pantries.
What sustainability initiatives do you implement?
We use electric delivery vehicles, develop closed-loop food systems, and incorporate art into sustainable agriculture practices to reduce environmental impact.
Are there job opportunities at UAC?
We offer fair-wage positions in warehouse operations, market management, and program coordination, with a focus on creating career pathways in sustainable food systems.
