For the third year in a row, the Green Tree Community Health Foundation has generously supported Food Moxie’s Hope Garden (and its accompanying programs) at Stenton Family Manor, this time with a $15,000 grant. A community health advocate, the Foundation is a not-for-profit public charity that identifies areas of vulnerability in Northwest Philadelphia and eastern Montgomery County and provides funding to organizations whose work addresses these needs.

The foundation seeks to have a positive impact on current and emerging health issues and risks, empowering residents to access health services and value, embrace and maintain their health. Announcement of the grant was made by foundation President and CEO Susan Hansen in January.

“Food Moxie is grateful for Green Tree’s continued support. We’re lucky to have such a like-minded foundation in the area,” said Food Moxie Executive Director Jill Fink.

Fink says the funds will be used for Hope Garden, the ½-acre garden Food Moxie tends at Stenton Family Manor, one of the largest emergency housing facilities in Philadelphia for families experiencing homelessness. Hope Garden produce is donated to the Stenton kitchen, enhancing the nutritional value and flavor of the meals the facility provides. In 2016, Food Moxie donated nearly 1,500 pounds of fresh produce to Stenton.

Hope Garden isn’t just a place for growing food, though; it’s also the base for Garden Club, Food Moxie’s fun and hands-on food and farming program for young people at Stenton. The garden also supports Hope Kitchen, Food Moxie’s program for Stenton parents, which cultivates culinary skills, nutritional knowledge and food resource management to help parents feed their families well on a budget. Graduates of the program earn Fresh Start Kits, chock-full of key kitchen tools, and can also sign-up for supportive home visits when they transition into their own housing.

“Thanks to the continued generosity of Green Tree Community Health Foundation, Hope Garden will remain a vibrant hub at Stenton in 2017,” Fink said. “Not only is it a place to build community with each other and connection to our food, it’s also a source of nutrition and knowledge. We’re grateful to be able to spend another season growing food and cultivating new skills.”