Building Urban Gardening Capacity in Tennessee
GrantID: 15144
Grant Funding Amount Low: $30,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $400,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Building Capacity for Urban Gardening for Nutritional Health in Tennessee
Tennessee faces distinct challenges related to food insecurity, particularly in urban centers such as Memphis and Nashville, where nearly 15% of the population experiences food lack. Many of these urban areas are classified as food deserts, lacking easy access to grocery stores that offer fresh produce. This situation disproportionately affects low-income families, who often resort to convenience stores for their dietary needs, exacerbating health issues such as obesity and diabetes primarily driven by poor nutrition.
The families impacted by food insecurity in Tennessee come from various backgrounds, but they often share common barriers such as low income, limited transportation, and insufficient nutrition education. Disadvantaged populations, particularly in urban settings, face systemic challenges that restrict their ability to make healthy food choices, leading to disastrous health consequences over time. Urban gardening initiatives present a unique opportunity to harness local resources while promoting nutrition education.
The Urban Gardening for Nutritional Health initiative is designed to build capacity within communities by establishing community gardens aimed at combating food insecurity. The project will provide hands-on training in sustainable agriculture techniques, alongside nutrition education workshops that emphasize the importance of healthy eating. By empowering families to grow their own food, the program not only meets immediate dietary needs but also fosters a sense of community resilience and self-sufficiency.
The implementation of this initiative is particularly relevant as Tennessee's urban population continues to grow, thereby increasing the strain on food resources. By focusing on urban gardening, this program aligns with larger state goals of enhancing food access and improving public health outcomes. Ultimately, by establishing community gardens, the initiative aims to create lasting impacts on dietary health in Tennessee's urban environments, equipping families with the skills necessary for self-reliance and nutritional wellness.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
