Wonky Vegetables:
Fresh Produce Distribution Center
Site: Canarsie, Brooklyn, NY
Date: Spring 2023
Collaborator: Iverson Yu
Wonky Vegetables is a distribution center for fresh produce located in Canarsie, New York. By working with local Long Island farmers to harvest their excess food which do not meet grocery standards, we distribute food which would otherwise go to waste. The leftover product is then sold at local bodegas to give communities access to fresh produce.
During the summer, the space comes alive with educational workshops where kids explore the life cycle of plants, learn about sustainable farming practices, and discover how food is grown in their own community. The classroom is equipped with workstations for planting and group activities, enabling children not only gain knowledge but also develop a deeper connection to their environment and the role they can play in supporting local agriculture.
Designed with an open layout, the kitchen encourages collaboration and interaction, while hosting seasonal cooking classes and offering lessons on how to prepare nutritious meals using in-season ingredients. For example, during the fall, the focus shifts to canning workshops, where participants learn to preserve their harvest for the winter. The communal atmosphere is meant to foster a connection between food, health, and sustainability, empowering the community to make the most of local, fresh ingredients.