The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders recently awarded nine different municipalities with the 2017 Union County Means Green Community Garden Grant. Fanwood’s Borough Hall Pollinator and Butterfly Garden has received a grant that will help provide donations of fresh produce to those in need as well as education, recreation, civic service and social opportunities for gardeners and their communities.
The new round of funding follows on the success of the 2016 Union County Means Green Community Garden Grants program, an initiative of Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “This year’s group of awardees demonstrates that the community garden movement touches Union County residents of all ages and from all walks of life,” said Freeholder Chairman Bruce H. Bergen. “On behalf of the Freeholder Board I wish our awardees all the best for an enriching experience and a bountiful harvest.”
The 2017 UC Means Green garden grant program is administered by the non-profit organization Groundwork Elizabeth on behalf of Freeholder Board. Groundwork also administered the 2016 program, which covered 19 projects in 10 municipalities. “Groundwork’s expert guidance helped to ensure a successful first year for the grant program,” said Bergen. “We’re pleased to have them on board again to administer the 2017 round of funding.”
“Many Union County residents are eager to reach out and help those in need, and community gardens provide an opportunity to participate in a service activity while also spending time out in the fresh air with friends and neighbors,” said Freeholder Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who chairs the Union County Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund. “It is especially meaningful to engage our young people in raising and donating fresh produce, both as an educational experience and because helps them to see that even at a very young age they can still have a positive impact on the health and well-being of their families and the whole community.”
UC Means Green awardees become members of Groundwork’s Come Grow With Us! community garden program, which provides seedlings and other resources to its members. “Many of our UC Means Green awardees also receive support from their local municipalities,” said Bergen. “It’s a wonderful illustration of the ways in which County funding can enhance local resources to benefit more residents.”
For quick links to Union County environmental programs and more information about the Union County Extension, visit The Green Connection.
