Capital Area Foodbank Greening Up with Grant

Capital Area Food Bank LogoThe Capital Area Food Bank in Lorton, VA has been awarded a $1,000 grant in the Beautification and Community Greening Category.  The Keep Virginia Beautiful 30 in 30 Grant Program focuses greater resources and attention on organizations and individual localities throughout the Commonwealth and how they are addressing the issues of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, beautification and education.

The Capital Area Food Bank will distribute 6.3 million pounds of food to their low-income clients from their 12,000 sq.ft. warehouse/office located in Lorton, Virginia during 2012 calendar year.  They plan to beautify and improve the visual impact of their Lorton warehouse site and create some sustainable water use and runoff abatement.  Located in an industrial park, surrounded by other warehouses and concrete, the Lorton facility is in much need of some greening.  This project has three goals:

  • (1) creation of a new native species garden near the north east entrance to the building,
  • (2) adding container gardens filled with flowers and veggies near the west end of the property on and around the patio, and
  • (3) adding rain barrels to help supply water to these gardens and reduce runoff. CAFB

Beyond the visual aspect that this beautification project will have on the Food Bank, it will also serve as an example to other surrounding businesses and help raise community awareness and involvement.

Keep Virginia Beautiful has provided the opportunity for government, non-profit and/or service organizations in Virginia to apply for one of 30 grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 in three different categories:  Beautification and Community Greening, Litter Prevention, and Recycling.  These grants are made possible by KVB partners – Capital One, Waste Management and Lowe’s.  We are in their debt.

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