Speaker Heastie Joins Assemblymember Anna Kelles at the Learning Farm and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center on Speaker's Annual Statewide Tour

Speaker Heastie Joins Assemblymember Anna Kelles at the Learning Farm and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center on Speaker's Annual Statewide Tour

Assembly Majority Secures $750,000 for Historic Red and White Cafe

Speaker Carl Heastie continued his annual statewide tour today with Assemblymember Anna Kelles to participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony at The Learning Farm and to visit the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC).

"This ribbon cutting marks an exciting opportunity for The Learning Farm's ability to expand their offerings to the community," said Speaker Heastie. "Assemblymember Kelles fought hard for this funding as she knows the incredible value of providing our children with the knowledge of sustainable farming and food practices that will spread into future generations."

"I am honored to have Speaker Heastie join me today to celebrate these two incredible organizations in our community. Both the Learning Farm and GIAC provide invaluable opportunities for young people in the Ithaca community, particularly for our BIPOC young people who are far too commonly underserved and under-resourced. I am proud to celebrate this exciting expansion of the Learning Farm as we continue to support their effort to instill an appreciation of sustainable food production practices into our community," said Assemblymember Kelles, "I am also grateful to have the Speaker join me to visit GIAC and witness their deep dedication to improving the quality of life for the people they serve; advocating for the rights and needs of youth, families, underrepresented, and disenfranchised populations; providing structured employment training opportunities for at-risk youth and adults; and fighting against oppression and intimidation in our community. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that both GIAC and the Learning Farm have the resources needed to expand and grow."

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Kelles joined Executive Director Christa Núñez for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Learning Farm, a repurposed dairy farm that provides children and families the ability to connect with the outdoors and learn more about sustainable farming and food practices. The ribbon cutting celebrates the opening of several cabins on the farm that will allow the farm to expand their services into overnight offerings thanks to a $200,000 Assembly Majority Investment. The Assembly Majority also provided $450,000 to help the farm construct a commercial kitchen to further expand their teachings on sustainable food production and the benefit of shared community meals.

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Kelles then met with GIAC Director Leslyn McBean-Clairborne to tour their facilities and learn more about their effort to provide multicultural, educational and recreational programs to the Greater Ithaca community. The Assembly Majority secured $750,000 to expand the historic Red and White Café that provides employment opportunities for teens and young adults in the community. The facility is also looking to secure additional funding to renovate the Alex Haley pool that provides year-round swimming opportunities to disadvantaged communities.