Local groups receive vital funding through Urban Ag Grant Program
Grants will help improve urban agriculture infrastructure in Pennsylvania
Rep. Sara Innamorato May 10, 2021 | 10:17 AM
HARRISBURG, May 10 – Several local community-based garden and urban ag programs will receive more than $26,000 in state funding, state Rep. Sara Innamorato, D-Allegheny, announced today.
Administered by the state Department of Agriculture, the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program distributes reimbursement grants to eligible applicants that want to improve urban agriculture infrastructure in Pennsylvania. The money can fund projects that, among other things, increase agricultural awareness, increase local food access, provide agricultural educational opportunities, and improve urban agricultural operations.
The following organizations in Innamorato’s district received funding:
- Lawrenceville United: $2,230 for a grid soil test, compost materials.
- Tree Pittsburgh: $2,500 for a high tunnel.
- Borough of Etna: $21,323 for an aquaponics system.
“Community programs that that promote healthy eating and sustainable, neighborhood-based urban farming are one of the great things about our neighborhoods,” Innamorato said. “These grants mark a continued investment in these programs and ultimately, our neighborhoods and neighbors. Whether it’s teaching children how to eat healthy, providing food to those in need, or simply letting folks exercise their green thumbs, these programs have a positive impact and I want to thank everyone involved in them.”
The Department of Agriculture distributed a total of $500,000 to fund 42 projects across the state through the UAI Grant Program.