background: Because top-down, needs-based development approaches cannot always address complex social, economic, and environmental problems facing communities, Community Care of Brooklyn (CCB), Medgar Evers College, and NextShift Collaborative partnered to initiate a community-driven research process called Participatory Action Research (PAR) and strategize ways to improve health in Brooklyn communities with large gaps in care and poor health outcomes. Objectives: The study sought to discover ways that Brownsville and East New York residents could be mobilized to address inequalities affecting their health. methods: 28 young adults from high schools, colleges, youth programs, and urban planning graduate programs conducted background research on community leadership and organizations, local politics and policy, the local healthcare system, and efforts among these parties to intervene to address social determinants of health. They then developed a survey to explore physical, mental, social, environmental and financial dimensions of health, as reported by residents. results: The survey identified food justice/nutrition and physical activity as the community’s greatest concerns. Over 50% of respondents indicated that they could not eat nutritious meals at least 1 day per week. 25% of respondents were unable to do so most days or every day. Only 50% of respondents reported having access to affordable produce in their neighborhood. conclusions: Upon the study’s completion, CCB published a report documenting the communities’ priorities and ideas, including developing hydroponic farming curriculum for students, exposing students to gardening and food projects, and the eventual construction of a food-producing skyponic farm. CCB established a Food Justice Workgroup and is now working with NYC’s Director of Food Policy to distribute discount cards for produce at a Brownsville FQHC. Plans are underway for hydroponic farms at a local hospital and public school. public health implications: Unlike conventional research, PAR uses inquiry to prompt social change through action. Allowing residents to participate in research processes that will determine and drive changes in their lives shifts power balances and changes who determines needs and solutions. In low-income urban communities of color, PAR is an opportunity to model grassroots approaches to creating positive social change. Evaluation of PAR’s impact will direct future initiatives and investments.