MLK Day: Food justice a civil right? Crown Hts Farmers Mkt, 5k walk/run, oratory contest, bone marrow drive

MLK DAY OF SERVICE - Join volunteers and folks from all over NYC  to empower youth to change their own environments. Is food access a civil right? Is access to good health a civil right? These kids think so.

5K WALK/RUN - FARMERS MARKET - EBT ACCEPTED - "I have a Dream" ORATORY CONTEST, Bone Marrow Driver for minority retired 9/11 responder, dance and other activities for kids and families.

Scores of volunteers - farmers, runners, college students, teens and more - from across the city are merging on a Crown Heights elementary school - Seeds in the Middle's first Hip2B Healthy School -  to give kids a chance at quality health and education. Seeds in the Middle, a small 501c3 charity.founded by a journalist and an African-American principal from Crown Heights, are staging the:

 - first 5k family walk/run against violence and for healthy kids from PS 221 in Crown Heights to Park Slope's Da Nonna Restaurant, 140 7th Ave, BK

- Pop-up FARMERS MARKET - EBT ACCEPTED- featuring generous farmers and growers like Tree Licious Orchards,Union Square Grassman (of Gowanus), Cato Corner Farm, DaPaola Turkey, Ronnybrook Farms, Beth's Farm Kitchen, Raw Food Brooklyn, Race Farms, Lavender by the Bay, and more (following Daily News Dec. 30 about lack of winter farmers markets in high-need areas. EBT ACCEPTED.

 - Fun, healthy, active workshops for kids - dance, soccer, relays, tutoring and more - all led by volunteers!

 - "I Have a Dream "Oratory contest for ages 14 and under by Christopher Rose Community Empowerment Campaign

- Bone Marrow Registry to build minority pool for donors for sufferers of blood cancer, like 9/11 responder, retired NYPD Sgt. Wanda Davis - who has same disease as TV celebrity Robin Roberts. see bethematch.org

Schedule:

 9:30 -10 am: Healthy breakfast 

 10-1 : Fun, active workshops for kids

11:15 Oratory Contest of an abbreviated "I Have a Dream" speech

12: Run/walk starts at PS 221

 9-2 pm - Farmers Market and Bone Marrow Registry Drive

1-3 pm - Cider and giveaways at Da Nonna Rosa Restaurant, Park Slope for youth runners

WHERE: PS 221, 791 Empire Boulevard between Troy and Schenectady, Brooklyn 11213 (train 3/4 to Utica Avenue)  RUN ENDS AT LA NONNA ROSA Restaurant between 1 and 3 pm in Park Slope

INFO: Email info@seedsinthemiddle.org or call 917-756-4202

Register and info here. 

Like SEEDS IN THE MIDDLE on Facebook for more updates.

Seeds in the Middle pilots holistic Hip2B Healthy schools, farmers markets and sports tournaments to give all children a chance to be healthy. We are  trying to raise funds to save programs in the obesity epidemic and open more farmers markets. Event is free. We are asking for pledges of $20 to support healthy programs for kids and open more farmers markets in the NYC obesity epidemic. Students in public schools can get 20% back for their own school programs. Volunteers are coming from St. Ann's School, Baruch College, New York University, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, Buildon.org, Americorps and just New Yorkers.

This is truly an event to effect positive change, healthy kids and a greener, healthier environment for ALL New Yorkers - especially those in the highest-need areas like central Brooklyn, Bronx and Harlem.

SPECIAL CALL FOR YOUNG MINORITY MEN to register as bone marrow donors to potentially safe the life of a retired NYPD officer and 9/11 responder Wanda Davis and others. They are her only hope.

We thank: American Apparel, Modells, and the Big Apple Circus and all our chefs and restaurants.  Dr. Kracker, Union Square Grassman, Bread Alone, Cato Corner Farm, Damico Foods, Race Farm, Tree Licious Orchards, Beth's Farm Kitchen, and many more...   

Da Nonna Rosa Restaurant - (718) 788-6225, for welcoming our walk/runners at the finish line.Great Food. Class Act. What more can I ask for? 

 Run4Fun Youth Running Club, a USATF youth running club, is dedicated to promoting self-esteem, confidence, team building, and fitness at each level. Run4Fun Youth Running Club - empowering youth through running!