Kaptur Community Fund of the TCF Awards Grants Totaling More Than $10,000 to Five Nonprofit Organizations

TOLEDO, OHIO, June 15, 2009 - The Kaptur Community Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $10,853 to five nonprofit organizations.  The awards are in response to a request for proposals that focus on sustainable food production in urban neighborhoods.
 "The Kaptur Community Fund supports initiatives that empower local people to help themselves," states The Honorable Marcy Kaptur.  She further explains that "The Fund aims to assist our community achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability. Food security ranks at the top of human needs. Yet, in our region, 98% of food consumed is not produced in Ohio. Many neighborhoods in our city lack fresh, affordable and nutrient-rich food choices. This means our region's precious food dollars are being siphoned away outside our area."  
"This year, with growing food shortages due to the economy, our citizens can help self-
empower people, re-establish local food security, and recapture lost food dollars by advancing urban agriculture efforts through innovation and entrepreneurship. These microenterprise efforts will lay a foundation that will continue to bear fruit in the coming years.  By investing in these ingenious projects, The Kaptur Community Fund hopes to demonstrate how empowering local people can better meet food needs in a more healthy, cost-effective and sustainable way," concludes Ms. Kaptur.

Receiving funding are:

Center of Hope Family Services - $500 was awarded to support the Jericho Road Youth Garden project.

Friendly Center - $500 was awarded to support an urban garden initiative.

Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center - $3,353 was awarded to support community gardening in the South End of Toledo.

The Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls, Toledo Public Schools - $500 was awarded to support a greenhouse and plants at the school.

Toledo Seagate Food Bank - $6,000 was awarded to support local food growing initiatives.

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