Sullivan 180 released the 2024 Catskill Edible Garden Project grant applications for Sullivan County schools, daycare facilities and organizations serving youth who would like to engage in creating edible gardens. Applications are due February 1st.
The Catskill Edible Garden Project is a partnership between Sullivan 180, Catskill Mountainkeeper and Cornell Cooperative Extension. The project engages schools and community organizations in the design and activation of edible gardens as living, outdoor, educational, and gathering spaces. These projects offer access to healthy local food, “hands-on” experience, and exposure to food and agriculture as important aspects of our community and culture.
The program provides funding support, technical assistance, educational programs, and design as well as staff to facilitate the development and build of gardens.
“The importance of the school garden is to teach students year after year about good healthy eating habits and how easy it is to grow their own food. It also gives them a sense of community and belonging. This is their garden; they planted it and grew it!! I would recommend that all schools get involved in creating a school garden. It is fun, satisfying, and educational, and it can be life-changing for the future adults that you are teaching” Dennis Lankau, Garden Coordinator Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School Monticello.
For more information or to download the application, go to www.Sullivan180.org/grants-