Shalom Farms

Keep Virginia Beautiful (KVB) is awarding “30 Grants In 30 Days” in April and May 2012. Shalom Farms (a project of the United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond) has been awarded a $750 grant in the Beautification Category. The KVB grant program focuses greater resources and attention on organizations in individual localities throughout the Commonwealth and how they are addressing the issues of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, beautification and education.

KVB provided the opportunity for government, non-profit and/or service organizations in Virginia to apply for one of our 30 in 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.

Shalom Farms is a nonprofit community farm project of United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond (UMUMR) with the overarching goal of increasing food security in the Richmond region, particularly in low-income urban neighborhoods. With this grant Shalom Farms plans to build a community garden at Hotchkiss Community Center in Richmond. KVB funding will be matched with funding from the City of Richmond and United Methodist Urban Ministries of Richmond. The Hotchkiss Community-shared planting beds will be maintained by residents with support of UMUMR staff and volunteers on a weekly basis.  Weekly lessons will also be held with Hotchkiss youth participants. The impact of a garden at this site cannot be underestimated. This Community Center is a central gathering point and resource for the communities of Highland Terrace, Highland Park, and Brookland Park. These neighborhoods are food deserts, meaning many residents lack affordable access to healthy food. However, they are also a part of widespread renewal and revitalization efforts. A number of participants asked that the garden be used as a place to teach and train residents on gardening techniques that they can apply in their own homes. Additionally, this garden will provide direct access to a small amount of fresh vegetables and serve to draw interest for a planned Shalom Farms produce stand at the site in the summer of 2012.