The South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) has agreed with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to further the production of fruits and vegetables as an important source of fresh food and nutrition to communities lacking access to locally grown produce. This agreement supports USDA’s renewed interest in community gardening.
One of the objectives is to make available fifteen (15) $5,000.00 grant awards each for the establishment of raise-bed community gardens in food deserts, and/or rural communities. The Community Garden grants are available to communities who, in partnership with SCACED and USDA, increase awareness of community gardening by:
- Establishing a community garden in a low-access, rural community
- Encouraging intergenerational experiences in agriculture and conservation
- Building new and/or strengthening existing partnerships for outreach to new markets
- Promoting the wise use of natural and human resources, thereby improving economic opportunities and the general well-being of people in South Carolina
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must recruit Local Community Garden Advocates who are interested in leading a community garden effort in the area
- Must recruit no less than three (3) Resource Partners who are willing to assist Community Garden Advocates with the planning and development of their community garden (e.g. Grow Food Carolina, SC Food Policy Council, Clemson’s 4-H Councils, and Master Gardeners, SC Office of Rural Health, Wholespire, and South Carolina Food Policy)
- Must participate in follow-up activity with SCACED including conference calls, face-to-face meetings, and regional convening to assist community garden advocates with the planning and sustained development of a community garden in the area.
- Must incorporate sustainable practices and encourage gardening practices that nurture, maintain, and protect the environment such as capturing rainwater in rain barrels; composting and mulching; and/or encouraging beneficial insects that feed on destructive pests
- Must collaborate with SCACED, Local Community Garden Advocates, and Resource Partners to ensure community garden/hoop house success.
- Must purchase and install one (1) partnership signage to include USDA, NRCS, and partner logos along with the Project Name.
- Submission Information
- The application must be completed, signed, and submitted before NOON, March 12th, 2024 (no extensions)
- No application will be considered without the completion of all questions and budget.
Contact Information
Ken Harvin
Rural Program Director
SCACED
ken@scaced.org
843-579-9855