490 Farmers
Our Mission
490 Farmers seeks to learn alongside Rochester residents and youth to build community, provide land access, and address food insecurity through urban agriculture. Guided by principles of mutual aid, we aim to steward a space where all feel welcome and integral to this mission, thereby pushing our city toward a more resilient and equitable future.
The 490 Farm
Located at the corner of Broadway & Meigs St. across from the Baber AME Church (550 Meigs St., Rochester NY, 14607), we are the first community garden on state owned land in New York, and the second largest in the city of Rochester.
What we offer:
50+ garden plots for rent! Raised beds of varying sizes used for food or therapy gardening. All garden plots are currently filled, if you would like to be added to the waitlist for a plot, please complete this form.
Free Food Forest! A perennial forest garden where volunteers can help themselves. We have a wide assortment of fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and perennial vegetables. Additional produce is used to stock our Free Food Stand.
Children's Garden! Our sectioned pinwheel design provides an opportunity for children to play in the different soil types and a sand box, walk along a yellow brick road, learn and help grow some kid-friendly plants (flowers, vegetables, & native pollinators). Any child with adult supervision is welcome to harvest from the Children's Garden.
Community Composting! A three bin system where anyone can bring their kitchen or garden compost. The compost is located at our entrance on Meigs St. Learn more about composting here.
Little Free Pantry/FNB Food Stand! Part of the Roc Food Not Bombs network of Free Food Stands throughout the city. Leave what you can, and take what you need.