What is the Small Axe Peppers Project?
Small Axe Peppers Hot Sauce is not just any hot sauce—it’s a flavorful product made with peppers sourced directly from community gardens scattered across cities in America. Each bottle tells a story of support and connection, because every purchase helps the gardens and the gardeners who grow these peppers. Thanks to this unique approach, thousands of pounds of peppers have been bought at premium prices, putting real money back into local urban farms. It’s a fresh take on food production that’s rooted in community and sustainability.
Main Benefits of Small Axe Peppers
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Small Axe Peppers stand out:
- Works with over 120 community gardens
- Operates in 36 cities across 23 states
- Purchases peppers at premium prices to support garden maintenance and income
- Started in The Bronx in 2014 with just five community gardens
- Expanded to 75 cities and more than 75 gardens today
- Partners with a variety of groups including non-profits, church groups, refugee and immigrant advocacies, high school students, and workforce development agencies
- Has a B Corp score of 81.7, reflecting strong social and environmental performance
The Origins: How It All Began in The Bronx
The story kicked off in The Bronx, where Small Axe Peppers teamed up with GrowNYC to donate serrano pepper seedlings to five community gardens back in the spring of 2014. The next year, with support from Bronx Green-Up of the New York Botanical Garden, twenty more gardens jumped on board. Together, these gardens grew nearly a ton of serrano peppers. This wasn’t just about growing peppers—it was about creating a new economic model for urban farming, one that empowers communities and supports local food justice.
Expanding Across America
Since those early days, Small Axe Peppers has grown its reach dramatically. Today, the project spans 75 cities and works with more than 75 community gardens. And the momentum keeps building—more gardens are eager to join the movement every year. The goal? To partner with as many community gardens as possible, helping them thrive through fair pepper purchasing and ongoing support. It’s a growing network of urban agriculture that’s making a real difference.
Community Partnerships and Collaboration
Small Axe Peppers isn’t working alone. The project partners with a diverse range of organizations including non-profits, church groups, refugee and immigrant advocacy groups, high school students, and workforce development agencies. These collaborations help purchase peppers from community gardens and urban farms all across the United States. It’s a collective effort that strengthens communities, supports food justice, and promotes sustainable farming practices.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting local food production and food security
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Providing income opportunities for urban farmers
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Promoting urban agriculture and green spaces
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encouraging sustainable sourcing and production
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Supporting biodiversity through community gardening
Looking Ahead: Growing the Movement
Small Axe Peppers is always looking to expand its impact. The project invites community gardens near and far to get involved and become part of this growing network. By purchasing peppers at premium prices, Small Axe Peppers helps gardens sustain themselves and their vital work. It’s more than just hot sauce—it’s a movement toward food justice, urban agriculture, and community empowerment. Interested gardens and groups are encouraged to reach out and join the journey.
