While Atlantic City is known for its iconic Boardwalk and vibrant entertainment, there are organizations working behind the scenes to support the eclectic local community. One such non-profit is Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.), a dedicated group focused on improving access to healthy, organic produce while strengthening connections within the community.

Through community gardens, free events, and farmers markets, C.R.O.P.S. is helping residents gain access to fresh food while also giving them opportunities to learn and take an active role in their neighborhoods.

What is C.R.O.P.S.?

C.R.O.P.S. is a non-profit organization that focuses on addressing food insecurity issues. Their goal is to empower communities by cultivating fresh food products, improving access to food, and informing locals about sustainable food systems.

C.R.O.P.S. operates not just in Atlantic City but throughout the entire Atlantic County region. One of the organization’s main goals is to help make food accessible, especially in areas where fresh groceries are limited. By transforming underutilized spaces into community gardens, C.R.O.P.S. is reshaping how residents connect with their food and one another.

 

Making Fresh Food Accessible

C.R.O.P.S. serves the community through farmers markets, a food hub, and a share program that allows residents to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables at great prices.

Through its refrigerated program, the organization collaborates with neighborhood markets to introduce fresh produce into areas that often lack healthy food options. By replacing refrigerators stocked with nutritious items in these locations, C.R.O.P.S. ensures locals have convenient access to fresh food while boosting visibility for local businesses.

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Community Garden

Maintaining community gardens is a central part of C.R.O.P.S.'s work. The Fisherman's Park Community Garden in Atlantic City’s Inlet Neighborhood provides residents with a space to grow their own fruits and vegetables while learning about agriculture and sustainable practices.

The garden is open to the public and regularly hosts weekly garden clubs, workshops, and educational events. By encouraging residents to participate in gardening, C.R.O.P.S. helps people learn where their food comes from while fostering strong community relationships.

 

Fishermans Park Community Garden

Upcoming Events & Initiatives

Farm Share Program Pickup Events

C.R.O.P.S. offers a Farm Share Program that brings fresh, locally grown food to residents of Atlantic City. Available for pickup at the Food Hub on Tennessee Avenue, participants receive a biweekly share of 8-10 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs from South Jersey Farmers. In partnership with New Roots, the program uses a sliding scale pricing model based on household size and income. Sign up today and become a shareholder!

 

Crops_farm share program

 

Flower Fridays

Beginning May 1, C.R.O.P.S. will launch its "Flower Fridays" program at Fisherman's Park Community Garden. Running every Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through September, the program invites visitors to pick their own flowers or create bouquets to take home.

 

UCAN Instructional Garden Open House

On May 22, join C.R.O.P.S. for a joint Open House at the Urban Coastal Agriculture Network Instructional Garden (UCAN) at Farmer’s Row. In partnership with CARING Inc. and Reed’s Organic Farm, the event offers hands-on learning about growing food and managing gardens.

 

Farm to Fork Fundraiser

Celebrate with C.R.O.P.S. on September 29 at Cardinal for the organization’s annual Farm to Fork Fundraise! Also celebrating their 10th anniversary, the event will feature farm-to-table dining experiences, live entertainment, and opportunities to connect with the region’s top farmers while supporting C.R.O.P.S. mission and goals.

 

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C.R.O.P.S. plays an important role in strengthening communities across Atlantic City and the region. By combining agriculture, education, and community engagement, organizations like C.R.O.P.S. are creating meaningful opportunities for locals and visitors to connect, learn, and grow together. Learn more about C.R.O.P.S. and plan your Atlantic City getaway today!