An educational center in East New York has shifted its efforts to help its neighbors during the pandemic.

Universe City NYC is an aquaponic farm, coworking space and educational center. The founders say they changed their focus from education and collaboration to emergency food production.

Produce from their farm is now part of a food distribution network that goes to help residents of nearby NYCHA developments and those in need.

Universe City NYC was founded in 2019 with a range of facilities, including a music studio, media center, print lab, wood shop and more. The founders say their most important feature is an aquaponic farm, which saves water and incorporates fish.

As demand for their produce increase, they are asking the community for help to raise $50,000 to expand their growing facilities so they can continue to provide the food for free.

Universe City NYC has set up a GoFundMe page where they have collected nearly $7,000 to help fund their operations.