Greater Newark Conservancy is excited to announce that we received a grant for $49,500 from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S., which will be used to fund its Plot-It-Fresh initiative to provide access to community plots in Newark’s South Ward for local gardeners to grow their own fresh, healthy produce.
“We are filled with gratitude for Bayer Fund’s investment in this important initiative that is helping to address the persistent lack of access to fresh produce for residents living in food deserts. This program has become more urgent as the ongoing pandemic and rising cost of food and fuel make it more difficult for residents in under-resourced neighborhoods to access this vital resource. Bayer Fund’s support will help residents to live healthier lives,” said Greater Newark Conservancy Executive Director, Natasha Dyer.
Not only will this grant provide support to our organization, but also the community we serve by allowing us to maintain 269 community garden plots at our Hawthorne Avenue Farm in the Upper Clinton Hill Neighborhood of Newark – one of the areas designated as a food desert by the state of New Jersey. Availability, affordability, and transportation limit residents’ ability to access this basic resource. The Conservancy provides the space, materials, and training to support local residents build their lifelong gardening skills. Their efforts generate approximately 10,000 pounds of fresh, healthy produce that they can share with their families and other community members.
“Throughout the years, the grants given through Bayer Fund have helped strengthen our communities across the United States,” said Al Mitchell, President of Bayer Fund. “We’re proud to be able to provide support to develop programs like Greater Newark Conservancy’s Plot It Fresh Program that helps combat the critical issue of food insecurity and ultimately helping ensure even more Americans have access to healthy, nutritious food.”
In 2021, Bayer Fund awarded more than $13.1 million to over 3,400 charitable and nonprofit organizations to help address essential needs in Food and Nutrition, STEM Education and Health & Wellness. Over the last five years, nonprofit organizations across the U.S. have received more than $75 million.
We thank the Bayer Fund for their support and commitment, not only to Greater Newark Conservancy, but other deserving environmental and STEM focused organizations.
