NYC farming program uses church roof to grow fresh produce

Hallelujah! A baptist church in a neglected Manhattan neighbourhood has entered the urban farming game, with a 1,000 square foot rooftop garden that's producing abundant fruit and veg for the church's busy food pantry.

Located in Hell's Kitchen between the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Lincoln Tunnel, the Metro Baptist Church is as far removed from rural farm life as it gets. But with seven tons of soil, a bunch of kiddie pools, and a whole lot of volunteer muscle, the church has morphed into a productive urban farm.

Now in its second year, the rooftop farm has become an key part of the church's identity. "I think of it as public witness," says Metro Baptist’s pastor, Rev. Alan Sherouse, "The farm project has given people another point of entry to our church, community ministry and our understanding of the Gospel."

Amen to that.

(via HuffPo)

Photo credit: Metro Baptist Church