2025 – Willowdale Farms is an ongoing CEII project, a network of community gardens and a 2-acre urban farm that grows vegetables and distributes them to food insecure neighbors. Willowdale Farm is located at 301 North 30th Street in the heart of a food desert in a low to moderate income neighborhood. Willowdale Farms grow thousands of pounds of vegetables annually that are distributed directly to food insecure neighbors and to other nonprofits that provide food to those in need. Grant funds will be used upon receipt to make essential repairs and replacements so that we continue optimal functioning within the greenhouse to plant seeds and grow transplants for the farm and gardens. Essential repairs to the farm greenhouse include the wood structural frame, a portion of the damaged cover and a redo of the coverings at the front and rear entrances, as well as a storm door to replace the deteriorated existing door. The estimate for the work includes labor, materials, tool rental, transportation and delivery. Plants will be purchased for the pollinator gardens at the farm and other community gardens to attract pollinators to support healthy ecosystems. Paid experienced labor will help us complete irrigation projects at the farm and gardens before the summer heat. Materials are funded by other local grants. Functioning irrigation is essential to plant growth and production. If there are any savings additional pollinator plants will be purchased. All of these projects will provide capacity for Willowdale Farms to continue to grow fresh produce to provide to the food insecure, a health equity Endowment pillar. These projects will be completed by December 31, 2025.
2022- This grant will support CEII s capital improvements and their acquisition of equipment