$15,000 Grant will be used to expand and enhance St. Mary’s Community Garden and Farm-to-Table program
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the Nature’s Path Organic Foods Gardens for Good program to receive a $15,000 grant to enhance the St. Mary’s Community Garden— a fully accessible garden to be used by the young patients at the hospital. The Gardens for Good program which is in its sixth year, supports the work of nonprofit organizations that are empowering their local communities through organic urban agriculture projects. In addition to the cash grant, the St. Mary’s community garden project will receive technical design and production mentorship courtesy of Rodale’s Organic Life magazine.
St. Mary’s was one of three programs chosen out of 120 entries from non-profit organizations across the nation making an impact at the local level. The organization was among nine other finalists who earned the most public support by way of online votes. Nature’s Path made their selection based on the compelling, empowering and inspirational nature in which St. Mary’s described their garden project; the feasibility to establish and maintain the garden; and demonstrated community need for the project.
Arran Stephens, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Nature’s Path congratulated St. Mary’s on being awarded by sharing, “We are honored to support extremely worthwhile organizations like St. Mary’s, who are not only creating positive change in their communities and providing organic food for those who might not otherwise have access to it, but they are also helping to cultivate socially responsible leaders who will bring people together to impact their community”. He also added, “It is a privilege to work with them and help good things grow in local communities.”
St. Mary’s Community Garden is a part of the Farm to Table program, which provides an engaging, fun and strategic way to get St. Mary’s Kids excited about nutritious eating. Once complete, the Community Garden will provide access to urban gardening and enriching instruction for several hundred children, families and educators throughout our region
