The Salvation Army of Carthage is expanding the capacity of their food pantry to meet the growing need of families and individuals facing food insecurity in their community. New appliances, including a commercial grade cooler display case, expanded shelving units, and a display refrigerator, among other updates, will extend the life of the donated food.

Southeast Guilford High School will enhance their school programming with a new space. A new storage shed, raised beds, gardens as well as a space for animals will support the agriculture program at high school, in addition to upgrades to the school’s weight room. All work will be completed by the school’s students to create skills-based opportunities.

FeedNC is fighting food insecurity through programs aimed to help those in need access healthy food, education, and connections. With the Lowe’s Hometowns grant, FeedNC and Lowe’s will build 9 raised garden beds, plant 125 pollinators, build 2 garden arches, install a rose trellis, assemble 3 garden carts, install 2 scarecrows, assemble 2 veggie washing stations, install a bird bath and stain/seal the picnic area on a plot of land known as Mimi’s garden.

The Growing Roots Garden will become a place to grow and learn for the students of Emerson Middle School. A place to gather and learn about health, nutrition and the benefits that connecting with nature can have on stress. With 96% of students qualifying for the free or reduced-price lunch program, the outdoor space will put an emphasis on outdoor activities such as participating in the school garden and consuming nutritious foods grown by the students.

With the Lowe’s Hometowns grant, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will be completing a 340-foot ADA walkway with railing in the upper part of the Japanese Garden. The current pea gravel pathway makes it hard for those with mobility challenges to visit this part of the garden. These ADA walkways will ensure the opening of a future Children’s Garden, currently expected to open in mid-2024..

This outdoor play area for the kids at the West Fresno Boys & Girls Club will be built in partnership with Triple Play, a program that promotes health and wellness by teaching kids how eating smart, keeping fit and forming positive relationships add up to a healthy lifestyle. Lighting, fencing and a community garden will be added to this space to make a safe place for youth to engage outside.

With the Lowe’s Hometowns grant, the Alternative Services Gardening Facilities will expand their vocational programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A greenhouse, farm stand for distribution to the community and a shed will all be constructed. Having a garden will help clients build life skills and the produce, flowers, and plants grown in the new gardening facilities will provide the community access to fresh produce and help alleviate food insecurity in the area.