To expand conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and communities and provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources and related sciences

The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a civilian agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, awarded a $696,978 Cooperative Agreement to the Asianweek Foundation, doing business as Asian Heritage Street Celebration, to expand conservation assistance to historically underserved producers and communities, and provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. The funding, awarded on May 1, 2024 under the Soil and Water Conservation (CFDA 10.902) federal grant program, will support the foundation's initiatives aimed at advancing food justice, promoting community resiliency, and addressing environmental issues in underserved neighborhoods through activities such as forming collaborative partnerships, implementing innovative food production methods, and providing relief to food processors, distributors, farmers markets, and producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.