GFGH awarded a #BeMoreLikeClaire grant

We are proud to announce we have been awarded a grant from #BeMoreLikeClaire, an organization driven to “[cultivate] the power of collective generosity so that all may live a safe and healthy life.” We are grateful for the opportunities this grant will afford us, and we’re looking forward to starting our 2021 growing season with new tools and resources. Thank you, #BeMoreLikeClaire, and congratulations to the 2021 grantees!

GROWING FOOD GROWING HOPE GARDEN
Lawrence, Kansas

The Community Mercantile Education Foundation (CMEF) was awarded $7,800 for its Growing Food Growing Hope Garden on the grounds of First Step at Lake View, a residential addiction treatment center for women and their children. The mission of CMEF is to nourish and inspire personal wellbeing, strengthen community connections, and support sustainable, local food systems. The mission is fulfilled by creating beautiful and productive gardens, developing youth leaders, and using food as a transformative path to health. The 5,000-square-foot garden is maintained by six youth leaders and two adult supervisors. Along with providing a calm and healing environment for the residents and inspiring healthy habits, the garden provides fresh, sustainable produce that is used in the First Step kitchen. By engaging in growing their own food, the residents physically support their work to become whole, healthy women. Contributions from #BeMoreLikeClaire will go toward purchasing plants, seeds and mulch for the 2021 growing season, signage for the garden, an electric weed eater and financial support for student gardeners.

-read more on #BeMoreLikeClaire

The #BeMoreLikeClaire story is powerful, and a paraphrasing would not do Claire or the project justice. Read about LT Dr. Claire Elizabeth VanLandingham and the #BeMoreLikeClaire organization on their website.