Gardening Grant Program Awards Funding to 10 Organizations to Support Food Security Efforts and Increase Community Food Production in Montgomery County

Montgomery County’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Resident and Community Food Gardening Grant Program recently presented 10 awards totaling $100,000 in funding to expand resident and community food production capacity. The awards, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, represent partnerships in the faith community, urban agriculture, neighborhood associations, academic institutions and community health services.

The funding reflects priorities established in the FY23 County operating budget to increase food security and support initiatives that will expand local food production through home and community farming and gardening.

The funded projects will help to promote food sovereignty, healthy living, civic engagement and racial and social justice by creating opportunities for residents to cultivate their own food sources, thereby increasing access to affordable and culturally diverse food. These efforts will contribute to reduced transportation emissions and community resilience in the face of climate-related supply chain disruptions.

Residents participating in the proposed projects —including Montgomery College students, seniors, adults with disabilities and families with young children, many of whom may have lived experience with food insecurity and diet-related disease—will have the opportunity to grow fresh, nutritious food that meets their unique needs. Each of the awarded organizations also aim to offer education opportunities related to healthy food access and connect neighbors around sharing resources and tips on at-home food production.

“By increasing food production in our County, these grants will strengthen our community resilience and support residents who are struggling to put food on the table,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These innovative and strategic grant investments were first launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we have now committed this funding officially into the County’s budget to directly expand the ability of County residents to grow their own food for years to come.”

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The 10 organizations that received funding, and the associated projects, are:

“Investing in community initiatives that expand access to gardening space, tools, and educational opportunities results in healthier food and healthier residents,” said County Council President Evan Glass. “These grants will directly benefit the physical and emotional health of Montgomery County residents.”

For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=43880