Eighteen Delaware sites awarded grants for urban agriculture and community gardens

The grants awarded this year totalled $27,671

By Stacey Hofmann
Delaware Government
Mar 15, 2017

Dover — Eighteen Delaware urban agriculture and community garden projects are receiving support through a second round of funding designed to strengthen communities and improve nutrition.

The partnerships that have developed at the local and state around urban agriculture and community gardening have really helped to transform Delaware communities. The grants awarded this year totaled $27,671.74, with $17,671.74 from Delaware Department of Agriculture. New Castle Conservation District pledged the additional $10,000 match for New Castle County sites.

“We are extremely grateful for these grants,” said Mary Steppi a volunteer with Elsmere Community Garden who received a grant last year. “These gardens fill a niche by providing fresh produce to people who do not have transportation to farmers’ markets. Our garden serves young and old, long-time residents, and a diverse mix of families. It really brings the community together, encourages people to get out and get active and meet people while giving back to the neighborhood.”

This year’s recipients include community groups, religious institutions, schools, and other organizations. The funds for these projects will help purchase supplies, seeds, plants, and minor equipment to enhance current projects or new initiatives.

This year’s recipients include:
Department of Children, Youth and Their Families, Wilmington, $2,000
William Penn High School, New Castle, $2,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware – New Castle County, $1,000
Connections CSP, Inc., Wilmington, $2,000
Duffy’s Hope Inc., Wilmington, $2,000
Conscious Connection Inc., Wilmington, $2,000
Lombardy Parent Teacher Association (PTA), $2,000
City of Delaware City, Delaware City, $1,000
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wilmington, $2,000
Resurrection Parish, Wilmington, $2,000
Freire Charter School Wilmington, Wilmington, $2,000
St. Marks United Methodist Church, Wilmington, $2,000
Wesley College and Restoring Central Dover Community Garden, $1,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware – Kent County, $1,000
Dover First Christian School, Dover, $671.74
LEADelaware Class IV/Kent Community Gardens, Milford, $1,000
Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware – Sussex County, $1,000
Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach, $1,000

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