The South Bronx has long been burdened by unfavorable land uses that have impeded residents’ health and quality of life. Every weekday, 15,000 trucks pass through the Hunts Point Market, one of the world’s largest food distribution centers, producing toxic air pollution. Emissions from four power plants also contribute to the local air pollution. Local residents are directly impacted by diesel emissions, which are a direct result of the high concentration of trucks entering and exiting the market, as well as truck operations from the surrounding businesses. Facilities in the South Bronx also handle 100% of waste produced in the Bronx and at least 23% of all of New York City’s commercial waste.

SSBx addresses economic and environmental issues in the South Bronx – and throughout New York City – through a combination of green job training, community greening programs, and social enterprise. We provide training in the green sector to low-income men and women, place trainees in jobs that make New York City more environmentally sustainable while beautifying its neighborhoods, and support graduates as they grow in their careers.

The Hunts Point Hustle engages community members with a park that SSBx helped create. As a part of the Bronx River Alliance, SSBx played a role in making Hunts Point Riverside park one of the first public green spaces in Hunts Point since the sixties. The Hustle is a great way to involve the community with the park while supporting SSBx in its mission.