EASTON, Pa. – Greenhouses extend the growing season for farmers, providing shelter from the elements.
- Easton Area Neighborhood Centers, Inc and the Seed Farm in Upper Milford Township were awarded $50,000 and $27,754 respectively
- This was through 2022-23 PA Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grants
- The funds will be put towards their greenhouses and aid their efforts to feed the community
Two local farms, Easton Area Neighborhood Centers, Inc. and The Seed Farm in Upper Milford Townshiare are getting $50,000 and $27,754 respectively to put toward their greenhouses and help them feed the community.
Jake Williams, executive director of the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, said they’ll use the grant on their urban farm and planting space.
The farm is part of the organization's special relationship with the City of Easton. It dates back to 1967, when the land was an apple orchard and playground.
“When spring hits, we can hit the ground running.”Jake Williams, executive director of the Easton Area Neighborhood Center
“It allows us to extend the growing season to virtually year-round,” he said, of the grant's significance.
“When spring hits, we can hit the ground running.”
Over the last two seasons, the Easton Urban Farm has grown 22,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables, which have been distributed back into the community.
They also plan to use the money to expand the property and go from a square to an L-shape. This will increase the area of the farm by 50%, and allow them to produce a greater variety of fruits and vegetables.
The Seed Farm, a farming nonprofit that started in 2010, plans to use the grant for two existing greenhouses.
Their older greenhouse has hail damage and will get its plastic replaced. The newer one will get water installed.
Both are getting new tables, which will make them easier to use. This will help during The Seed Farm's annual plant sale on Mother's Day weekend, when they're open to the public.
The funds will also go towards a community gardening program they want to pilot this year. As a part of Second Harvest Food Bank, they plan to bring gardens to different food pantry locations.
“Gardens improve quality of life,” said Katy Hunter, program administrator at The Seed Farm.
“Growing food gives people autonomy, gives people dignity,” she said.
“Often times organic and fresh produce are the most expensive, and the first things cut from a grocery list."
The initiative is part of the farm's goal to get more fresh produce into food pantries.
The grants are part of $520,219 distributed to 20 projects in 10 counties through the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Farm Bill Urban Agriculture Grants.