St. Mark's / St. John's Awarded 'Seed Grant'

St. Mark's / St. John's was officially awarded a grant from Foodlink, aided by funding from the state Department of Health’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP). 'Seed Grants' are start-up grants intended to help a non-profit or public entity begin a new or enhanced service that addresses the emergency food system and/or nutrition needs of low-income communities.  The Rev. Cindy Rasmussen was at today's ceremony to accept the grant of $24,500.  St. Mark's / St. John's plans on expanding the hours of its food shelf, create a new training garden for area youth, and facilitate the development of 16 other urban gardens in Rochester.  

“St. Mark’s and St. John’s is excited to be awarded a Seed Grant from Foodlink to expand our E.D.E.N. urban gardens, which provide healthy food, education and neighborhood gathering places that promote healing in the Beechwood and Emma neighborhoods.” said The Rev. Cindy Rasmussen.  

St. Mark's / St. John's food shelf produced 3,300 lbs of vegatables in 2017.  Their goal for this year is 5,000 lbs.

Foodlink collected 30 applications this winter and awarded six start-up grants for innovative projects in three counties across its service area. Agencies receiving awards, which range from $10,000 to $30,000, include: Wyoming County Community Action / Warsaw Food Pantry (joint award), Barakah Muslim Charity, Victor Farmington Food Cupboard, St. Mark’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Greece Central School District and Taproot Collective.

CLICK HERE for a slide show of today's ceremony.