Eight women are currently participating in the IRC in New York POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Resilience) Food and Agriculture job training program at the New Roots Community Farm in the Bronx. The POWER Food & Agriculture program is designed to build financial literacy, individual leadership and language skills while building on the agricultural knowledge and experiences clients have brought from their home countries, but the program also fosters a sense of community and friendship amongst the participating women.

IRC clients sharing recipes at the New Roots Community Farm in the Bronx.
IRC clients sharing recipes at the New Roots Community Farm in the Bronx.
Photo: Kathleen McTigue

In May, five women have shared traditional recipes from their home countries, including Bolani and Ashak from Afghanistan, Chicken and Potato Kabab from Pakistan, and Fatoush from Syria. Participating clients will provide cooking demonstrations at the weekly New Roots Community Farm Market once harvest season begins, and are now working on planting and nurturing their young crops. The IRC in New York is looking forward to the growing and harvesting seasons this year, and can't wait to see what the clients cook next!

If interested in supporting New Roots Community Farm's work, please donate here.