To address food insecurity in food desert neighborhoods by creating and supporting community food garden projects and offering free educational programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a $300,000 Cooperative Agreement to Lets Grow Akron Inc., a woman-owned non-profit organization, under the Soil and Water Conservation grant program (CFDA 10.902). This three-year agreement, running from January 2024 to March 2027, supports Lets Grow Akron's efforts to address food insecurity in Akron's food desert neighborhoods by creating and supporting community food garden projects and offering free educational programs. Lets Grow Akron Inc. also received multiple sub-grants from the City of Akron to oversee community gardening programs at seven vacant lots across the city, providing approximately 100 people annually with individual garden plots. The organization's responsibilities include administering the programs, preparing and maintaining the garden sites, and ensuring the successful implementation of community gardening initiatives.