By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $736,145 in grants to support urban agriculture projects across the state. The funding comes from the Pennsylvania Farm Bill's Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program and a $200,000 donation from The GIANT Company.
Twenty-six projects in 11 counties will receive funding to expand or purchase agricultural infrastructure, such as greenhouses, hydroponic equipment, cold storage, and tools. The grants will help to increase capacity to produce fresh food and create economic opportunity in urban Pennsylvania neighborhoods.
One of the projects receiving funding is Out of the End, a Pittsburgh-based urban farm. Out of the End will use the grant to construct a greenhouse, install irrigation, and add storage to expand its capacity.
"Agriculture is essential to the work we do at The GIANT Company," said Dave Lessard, Sr. Vice President of The GIANT Company. "We wouldn't be able to feed families without it, and that's why we're committed to investing in urban agriculture efforts such as the 2023-24 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program."
Pennsylvania has invested more than $2.7 million in urban agriculture through the program since 2019. The grants have helped to fund 139 projects in 19 counties across the state.
"Feeding health and economic prosperity in our cities feeds us all," said Secretary Redding. "The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in strengthening local economies, promoting food security, and reducing effects of climate change to improve quality of life and health in urban communities."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-joshua-resnick
Categories: Pennsylvania, General