https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHxtS_bhWEk Stony Brook Heights is an innovative micro-farm located on the third floor roof of the Health Science Center at Stony Brook Medicine. With a “farm to bedside” concept, the farm utilizes organic gardening methods to produce an abundance of vegetables and herbs, which are then used to supplement patient meals at Stony Brook Hospital. In 2011, the Nutrition
Division created the farm through the Healthy Heart Program grant from the New York State Health Department. Originally located on the fourth floor roof of the HSC, the 800 square foot farm yielded about 400 pounds of tomatoes, basil, broccoli, peppers, cabbage, and herbs. Expanding to 2,200 square feet in 2012, the farm yielded 1,300 pounds of produce, over triple the 2011 yield. The 2015 growing season marked the first year of Stony Brook Heights’ new location on the third floor roof, with ample sunshine and room to grow. The new farm boasts 36 raised beds, allowing for 2,242 square feet of gardening space yielding 1,500 pounds of colorful, fresh, organic vegetables, fruits and herbs. While the Nutrition Division manages Stony Brook Heights, a largely student volunteer corps helps the farm to flourish. With the additional space, we have been able to donate produce weekly to the Stony Brook University food pantry, Stony Brook Home (a free medical student-run clinic), Stony Brook Women, Infants and Children program, and Hope House Ministries in Mount Sinai.
