A powerful initiative to combat food insecurity and build stronger neighborhoods has received major support through a $30,000 grant to Toledo GROWs from The Sisters of St. Francis Foundation Donor Advised Fund at Greater Toledo Community Foundation.
This funding will touch thousands of lives across Toledo by supporting 105 community gardens, strategically located in neighborhoods where access to fresh, affordable food is limited. These gardens are creating sustainable solutions to food insecurity while building community bonds and teaching vital skills.
The impact reaches deep into our community:
- Families in low and moderate-income areas gain direct access to fresh, nutritious produce they've grown themselves
- Neighbors work side-by-side, strengthening community ties while growing food for their families
- Local food security improves as more residents learn sustainable gardening skills
- Children develop healthy eating habits and environmental awareness through the new Youth Earth Literacy Program
- Communities become more resilient as they gain the tools and knowledge to produce their own food
"We are grateful to partner with the Sisters of St. Francis to ensure that everyone in our community has access to fresh, healthy food," says Yvonne Dubielak, Executive Director of Toledo GROWs. "By providing resources, assistance and education for people to grow their own food, we are empowering individuals to feed their families now and in the future."
The grant provides crucial resources including seeds, seedlings and expert gardening guidance. Additionally, the new Youth Earth Literacy Program will inspire the next generation of gardeners through engaging education about food justice, environmental stewardship, pollinators and nutrition.
This collaboration between the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, Greater Toledo Community Foundation and Toledo GROWs represents an investment in Toledo's food security, community strength and sustainable future.
Want to be part of this growing movement? Contact Toledo GROWs at 419.720.8714 or info@toledogrows.org to learn how you can get involved with your local community garden.