HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has allocated $502,140 in Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grants to support 21 projects in ten counties aimed at advancing urban farming and improving local food access. This funding initiative is a critical step in tackling food insecurity while promoting sustainable agriculture in urban communities.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the awards during a recent visit to Wyncote Academy in Montgomery County, where a $42,500 grant will fund the establishment of a 200-tree fruit orchard. The initiative, part of a larger effort spanning the state, enhances hands-on science education and vocational opportunities for at-risk students.
“Urban agriculture transforms neighborhoods by addressing long-standing challenges, connecting communities, and increasing fresh food access,” said Redding. “This investment reflects the Shapiro Administration’s dedication to delivering lasting solutions that foster healthier, more sustainable futures in Pennsylvania’s cities.”
Since its launch in 2019, the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program has invested over $3.2 million across 160 projects. This year alone, $736,000 has been awarded to 26 projects addressing fresh food scarcity, barriers to economic participation, and educational opportunities in urban communities.
Impactful Urban Agriculture Projects
The grants include both microgrants of up to $2,500 for individual projects and collaboration grants of up to $50,000 to support regional initiatives that pool resources and expand food distribution networks. This year’s recipients reflect a diverse array of urban agricultural projects focused on sustainability and community impact.
Among the notable grant recipients are organizations like Grow Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, receiving $25,000 to add 3,000 square feet of food production through new and expanded community gardens. Philadelphia’s Fair Amount Food Forest was awarded $50,000 to upgrade water infrastructure and cold storage to support their farmers market and food pantry initiatives in underserved neighborhoods.
Wildheart Ministries in Dauphin County received $50,000 to enhance food preparation and storage capacity at Hill Farm, bolstering its ability to distribute fresh produce to families in Harrisburg. Meanwhile, the Butler County-based Community Partnership Inc. was granted $32,000 to transform vacant lots into garden spaces equipped with water collection systems to support charitable food efforts.
Additional funding will support specialized projects, such as Trellis for Tomorrow’s efforts in Chester and Montgomery counties to integrate urban gardening into vocational training programs for individuals with disabilities, and Erie’s Glow and Grow Urban Collective expanding its urban food system to create opportunities for marginalized growers.
Addressing Food Deserts and Inequities
The program seeks to combat food insecurity by fostering local food production in urban areas often reliant on convenience stores for fresh produce. It also tackles racial, economic, and social disparities by equipping communities with tools and infrastructure to generate sustainable food solutions.
Examples of innovative projects include Philadelphia’s recovery garden funded by First Stop Recovery to provide therapeutic spaces for individuals overcoming addiction and Blair County’s NatureWorksPark, which educates urban farmers on season extension through high tunnels and irrigation systems.
This latest round of funding highlights Pennsylvania’s dedication to revitalizing urban communities through agriculture. By bridging gaps in food access and enabling underserved neighborhoods to thrive, the Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program plays an essential role in fostering equity, sustainability, and resilience across Pennsylvania’s cities.
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