Judith Desire, the founder and CEO of the Uptown & Boogie Healthy Project, is on a mission to tackle food insecurity in underserved communities in Harlem and the Bronx. Her journey started in an unexpected way.
In 2021, Judith realized there was a lack of bicycle-friendly infrastructure in Manhattan and the Bronx. Many cyclists struggled to ride more than a few miles, which made her ponder the importance of nutrition in cycling. She noticed that many riders weren’t fueling their bodies properly.
“They were eating like pedestrians,” Judith said. “They didn’t recognize how much energy biking requires.” So, she began leading bike rides that started at farmers’ markets, collaborating with organizations like the health department to distribute health bucks—$2 coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables.
After just a few rides, Judith saw a change. People were not only riding more but also talking and sharing their experiences with food. Many revealed they had never been to a farmers’ market, highlighting a gap in access to healthy food options.
Judith’s personal life added another layer to this mission. As she cared for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s, she faced challenges finding affordable, nutritious food. “I had to travel to Lower Manhattan for decent food, which was costly,” she shared. She observed that while there was food available in Harlem, it often wasn’t healthy or accessible at the right times.
“Grocery stores might open early, but if their produce isn’t nutritious, it’s not helpful,” Judith noted. She recognized that food insecurity is not just about availability but also about timing and quality.
To address these issues, Judith launched the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program in the Bronx in 2021. Unlike typical CSAs, hers focuses on what the community needs. She introduced unique produce like okra, something many had never encountered. “Now, they ask for okra every week,” she smiled, recounting how members have started to enjoy experimenting with new foods.
Her program even includes cooking demos. “People share recipes and experiences, and it’s wonderful to see their palates change,” she remarked.
Food insecurity rates have recently risen, with a report from the New York Health Foundation stating that food insufficiency in New York is now at 10.4%, higher than during the initial pandemic. This issue hits marginalized communities the hardest, emphasizing Judith’s work’s importance.
Running a farmers’ market can be a tough job. Judith describes her daily operations as a “one-woman show.” She selects the produce, coordinates with vendors, and uses social media for outreach. “I set up the market and greet everyone,” she said, reflecting the community spirit she fosters.
This summer, Judith had 23 students as interns, providing hands-on experience in various roles—from managing gardens to marketing events. They even created a dashboard for CSA members, showing the project’s tech-savvy approach.
One of Judith’s goals is to involve more people in agriculture. “We want the agriculture world to recognize these communities and invite them in,” she said, stressing the need for inclusivity.
Her experiences with vendors, interns, and community members bring her joy, but she feels sorrow when they move on. Still, she recognizes that her “tiny but mighty” market helps everyone grow and thrive.
Judith calls for community support through volunteering and advocating for local issues, saying, “Politicians often use food pantries for photo ops. We need them to address real food struggles seriously.”
Her work shows that changing the narrative around food access is vital. By focusing on community needs and education, Judith Desire is making a real impact in the fight against food insecurity.
