Our Loving Village is seeking community support for the launch of a edible garden project that will primarily be used to educate and empower children and families to eat healthy though food and nutrition education.
Our Loving Village Garden will be located within the Stamford, Texas community to serve children and families throughout Jones County, Texas.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering an opportunity up to $50,000 for local food growth, especially in rural communities. As a verified Child and Adult Food Program (CACFP) provider, Our Loving Village is eligible and committed to apply for the Farm to School grant for the 2021 cycle. Our goal is to launch this project on a reasonable scale that aligns with the community commitment and support we recieve. Within 12 months of the award period, we hope to have established an educational garden resource that aims to bring farm-to-table edible products to our schools and local communities. Not only will this project be a meaningful initiative for children, we hope to nurture care for the environment and others through connecting with nature.
FARM TO SCHOOL GRANT FY 2021
Through the Turnkey project track, Our Loving Village is developing a comprehensive grant application to implement an Edible Garden Project within our ealry childhood care and education programs. We plan to collaborate with other childcare professionals and early childhood educators in Jones County, Texas to bring a love of nature into our classrooms! The application is due January 8, 2021.
We our calling our the Village Elders in Stamford to be leaders in the #BetterStamford movement. We are seeking community support and involvement within this project. Regardless of if we are awarded grant funds this cycle, Our Loving Village strives to bring forth the Our Loving Village Garden through other financial avenues and initiatives.
But we cannot do this without YOU!
Matching Contributions
The USDA is requiring grant applicants to have 25% matching contributions for the amount requested in federal funds. For example, if the project applied for the full $50,000, $12,500 of cash or in-kind contributions would be required. In-kind contibutions include facilities, property, equipment, or services provided by local governments, non-profit organizations and private sources. If you'd like to donate to the project please visit our campaign on SeedMoney.org
Edible Garden Planning Committee
Under the Turnkey Edile Garden Project, we are seeking the wisdom of farmers, gardeners and other passionate volunteers to head up an Edible Garden Planning Committee. Within this committee, we'd build on community values and establish the vision, goals and project objectives. Through further evaluation, we will identify regulations and ensure compliance with food safety, processing, storage and distribution of our edible garden products. We will assemble a list of needed supplies and develop a sustainability plan to ensure that Our Loving Village Garden remains a resource for our community for generations to come. If awarded, there will be a 12 month performance period and upon conclusion, the committee will conduct an evaluation report for the project.
If you or someone you know is interested in helping to manifest Our Loving Village Gardens, please fill out our Gardern Interest Form. We will be in touch with you for next steps.
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Blessings from Our Loving Village to Yours!
BriTanya Bays, CEO/Owner
