Tony Hillery
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Harlem Grown
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Tony Hillery, driven by a commitment to address health and academic challenges faced by public elementary school students in Harlem, founded Harlem Grown.In 2011, Tony began volunteering at a local Harlem elementary school, where he directly observed the insufficient resources allocated to schools and the inadequate nutritional support for students. While volunteering, Tony caught sight of an abandoned community garden across the street and envisioned an opportunity for positive change, marking the beginning of Harlem Grown’s first-ever growing season. Tony worked alongside 400 students to plant 400 seedlings, witnessing their development of healthier, sustainable eating habits and valuable life skills among the youth. The initial season yielded 38 pounds of produce setting the stage for a remarkable journey. Over the past thirteen years, Harlem Grown has expanded to partner with seven local schools, impacting nearly 12,000 youth annually. The organization now cultivates over 5,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables each year, extending its positive influence far beyond its initial roots. Tony Hillery’s dedication has played a pivotal role in transforming the lives of youth, families, and community members