Grant money available to assist community gardeners

Seed money to help community gardens grow is now being offered in Kalamazoo County.

The Kalamazoo Community Foundation has made funds available for 2011 Community Garden Grants.

Applications are being accepted by Fair Food Matters, a Kalamazoo-based non-profit organization that promotes and supports local food throughout Southwest Michigan.

Fair Food Matters Executive Director Paul Stermer says the program's focus is to provide healthy, fresh food, to encourage physical activity, and to strengthen neighborhoods by encouraging neighbors to share work, food and fellowship.

To qualify, projects must be community gardens in Kalamazoo County.

When you apply you will be asked the name of the garden if it has one, where it is located and whether this is a new garden or an existing one.

A review panel will want you to describe your garden, who is going to be working on it -- will neighborhood associations, community groups, youth groups, or local businesses be partners -- what you hope to accomplish with it and whether it is a one year project.

If you accept grant funds you must keep track of project expenses and complete a post-growing season survey.

Fund will be made available for five to 10 projects, each receiving $500 to $1,000. Grant application are due March 21 and all applicants will be notified of by April 1.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Paul Stermer, Fair Food Matters