 Community food security is a condition in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes community self-reliance.
Our Community Food Security initiatives promote both the local economy and self-sufficiency among individuals using the emergency food network. Through reinvesting dollars with local farmers, establishing gardens at member programs, distributing container gardens to low-income individuals, and establishing Farmers’ Markets, the Food Bank creates additional access to fresh produce for families in need.
The Food Bank of Central New York’s Garden-in-a-Bucket project distributes 5-gallon buckets filled with soil and a tomato plant to pantry recipients, complete with gardening and maintenance instructions. Most emergency food recipients do not have land to plant a traditional vegetable garden, but Garden-in-a-Bucket provides these individuals with the opportunity to have fresh vegetables during the summer; all they need is water and sunlight.
If you should have any questions or would like additional information, contact Robin Neal, Community Food Security Coordinator, at rneal@foodbankcny.org or (315) 437-1899 x222.
Got a garden? If the answer is no as a member of the Food Bank of CNY you have the opportunity to receive a garden grant award. The award includes $250.00 worth of materials to start up a small container garden at your facility. To apply fill out the garden grant application below, and submit the application by January 15th, 2010. A maximum of ten programs will receive the award on a first come first serve basis, and all the programs will have to fill out a complete application. Hurry and do not wait to fill it out! Awards will be announced February 26th, 2010.
Garden Grant Application
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