County Puts Over $215K Into Local Farms to Fight Food Insecurity

Montgomery County, MD – Montgomery County is allocating over $215,000 in grants to support local food production and enhance access to fresh, healthy food for residents. The funding will benefit five community-based projects, including the Serenity Community Garden and Urban Farm, aiming to expand food cultivation, offer educational opportunities, and strengthen the county’s food system.

Council President Natali Fani-González highlighted the county’s commitment to these initiatives, noting her efforts to secure additional funding. “One of the first things that I did once I became Council President was pushing for a 100K grant to ensure that groups like this one… could continue to do this work,” Fani-González stated. She emphasized that these efforts require financial resources and partnerships with various agencies.

The grants are intended to help community organizations increase food production, provide educational components, and create new avenues for residents to access locally grown produce. The Serenity Community Garden and Urban Farm, located in District 6, is cited as an example of a thriving community space that grows organic produce for local families.

Infrastructure improvements are also a component of this investment. At the Serenity Community Garden, funds are being used to install a waterline from the fire station to a cistern, ensuring reliable water access throughout the year. This addresses a critical need for consistent water supply for agricultural activities.

The initiative acknowledges the issue of food insecurity within the county, with Fani-González stating that “over 30% of our residents don’t know where their next meal is coming from.” The investment aims to address immediate food needs while also working towards building a more resilient food system in Montgomery County.

The county’s gardening grant program has already facilitated the expansion of initiatives like the one at Serenity Community Garden, resulting in eight small gardens that yield significant amounts of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Community members actively participate in the selection, cultivation, and harvesting processes.

Future plans for the Serenity Community Garden include potential development of a greenhouse for year-round projects, a farmers market, and other community events at Glenmont Forest Neighborhood Park. These developments are intended to further support the community and bolster local food access.

This investment reflects Montgomery County’s ongoing support for community-led projects that aim to strengthen neighborhoods and improve access to healthy food options for families.