Pennsylvania is investing to eliminate food deserts and grow urban infrastructure. Agriculture Secretary Russel Redding announced the recipients for the $520,219 Pennsylvania Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grants, according to a press release.  

The bill aims to invest in small businesses and meet the needs of local communities.

Montgomery County received over $50,400 in grant money in total.

The Wyncote Academy in Cheltenham received the majority of the sum at $45,815. Hatboro Academy in Hatboro got $2,100, and Tlush Family Farm in Plymouth Meeting received $2,500.  

“Access to food is a basic human right. It should be accessible close to home, not a car or bus ride away,” said Redding. “We aim to support businesses to end food apartheid and transform neighborhoods by strengthening food access through urban agriculture and the ZIP-Code neutral approach of the Pennsylvania Farm Bill.” 

According to the state Department of Agriculture, the funds are used in urban communities for projects that include community gardens, site design, and aquaponic/hydroponic facilities.  

Read more about urban agriculture grant allocations in Montgomery County at PA.gov.

_____

If there’s a face of the urban agriculture in Montgomery County, it’s Elkins Park’s FarmerJawn, led by Christa Barfield.