NEWARK, NJ (March 1, 2018) – Ten organizations with local food system projects in Newark have been awarded grants of up to $15,000 from Whole Cities Foundation. Whole Cities Foundation, a nonprofit established by Whole Foods Market, partners with communities nationwide to improve community health through broadening access to fresh food and nutrition information.
The foundation teamed up with The Newark Community Food System (NCFS), an innovative collective that is comprised of award-winning community leaders with diverse experience in grassroots community organizing, urban agriculture, and programs that address community health.
The NCFS has reviewed applications and provided leadership and guidance for the second annual Whole Cities Foundation Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant. Through the program last year, Whole Cities Foundation awarded over $140,000 to ten community-led local food system initiatives across all five wards, with local food system projects. The grant opportunity is part of a three-year investment in the Newark community.
Twenty-eight groups applied for the grant in December. Ten applicants were selected for awards. Grant winners were determined by the sustainability of their projects and their alignment with the foundation’s mission.
The following 10 projects were awarded grants:
African and American Alliance, Clean Water Fund, Greater Newark Conservancy, Ironbound Community Corporation, Kids in Business, Lincoln Park Coastal District, Morning Glory Garden, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark Science and Sustainability, Planting Seeds of Hope
About Whole Cities Foundation®:
Whole Cities Foundation, based in Austin, TX, is an independent nonprofit foundation established by Whole Foods Market. The foundation works alongside community-based organizations to improve neighborhood health through collaborative partnerships, nutrition education, and broader access to fresh, healthy food.
Since its inception in 2014, Whole Cities Foundation has partnered with organizations in over 40 cities across the U.S. to build thriving local food systems and improve health through:
Community gardens
Urban farms
Pop-up produce stands
Agriculture skills development
Mobile markets
Farmer’s markets
Healthy cooking classes
In addition, Whole Cities Foundation has its very own medical nutrition program, Let’s Talk Food. For more information, visit wholecitiesfoundation.org.
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