#Canada #Richmond #community support #Nature's Path #Organic Gardens

Nature's Path Celebrates a Milestone with Gardens for Good

In a commendable move towards supporting sustainable agriculture, Nature's Path Organic Foods has opened applications for grants through its Gardens for Good initiative. With this program, which has been positively impacting communities for 15 years, Nature's Path reaffirms its commitment to fostering organic community gardens that fight food insecurity and provide access to fresh produce.

The Canadian-based company, known as North America's largest independent organic breakfast brand, has allocated over $100,000 for grants this year, with $6,500 being awarded to 20 community gardens across the United States and Canada. Gardens for Good has emphasized the importance of collaborative action in driving real change in local communities. By encouraging urban gardens, the initiative promotes the cultivation of not only crops but also of community spirit and health.

Jyoti Stephens, Vice President of Mission and Strategy at Nature's Path, expressed pride in celebrating this significant anniversary. "As we kick off another year of the program, we’re proud to celebrate 15 years of impact and reaffirm our commitment to making organic food accessible to all," Stephens stated. The company believes in the fundamental right to organic food, asserting that it should not just be a privilege for the few.

Gardens for Good aims to address inequalities in food access, predominantly supporting gardens that cater to underserved and underrepresented communities. Last year's grant recipients exclusively served these communities, a practice that will continue this year. Ten gardens in both the U.S. and Canada will benefit from the funding, which is available to registered non-profits. Notably, past recipients that applied before 2020 are also encouraged to submit applications again.

One of the recent grant awardees, Nicole Porto, co-director of the Land to Learn Garden, highlighted the profound impact of the support: "Nature’s Path's generous support helps us deliver our unique garden-based, experiential learning to over 2,000 children and teens each year. For that, we are deeply grateful." This speaks volumes about how such initiatives can enrich the lives of youth, fostering not only a connection to nature but also personal growth and leadership skills.

Applications for this year's grants are open until June 17, 2025. Interested organic community gardens can learn more and apply through the company’s website at naturespath.com/gardens.

In its 15-year history, the Gardens for Good program has awarded nearly $1 million to over 100 gardens. Its success has set the stage for ambitious goals, slated to be met three years ahead of schedule in 2028. This year's ongoing commitment to diversity and support for marginalized communities underlines a deep dedication to social responsibility that is core to Nature’s Path’s mission.

Nature's Path Organic Foods does not merely operate as a business but as a family-owned entity prioritizing environmentally sustainable practices. The company's portfolio includes brands such as Love Crunch, EnviroKidz, and Flax Plus, all adhering to rigorous standards of USDA and Canadian certification for organic products. Since its inception in 1985, Nature's Path, which is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, has consistently championed the cause of both people and planetary health.

If you're involved in a community garden striving to make a difference through organic farming, don’t miss this opportunity to secure funding for your vision. Together, through initiatives like Gardens for Good, we can cultivate healthier, more equitable food systems that benefit everyone in our communities.