Health Commission and TFP Partner on Major Federal Initiative
We have some very exciting news to share: The Food Project recently received a grant of $600,000 from the Boston Public Health Commission as part of a sweeping obesity prevention campaign by the Centers for Disease Control. This funding will support community food production in underserved Boston neighborhoods through programs including Build-a-Garden and our new community greenhouse (see below).

We are thrilled to be working with committed partners, both public and private, that share our vision of transforming cityscapes and backyards into growing spaces that contribute to a stronger, healthier community. Read more in Mayor Menino’s announcement of the citywide initiative.

Growing in Boston… All Year Round!
The Food Project will open a new community greenhouse in Roxbury this fall! Soon, just blocks from our Boston office, 10,000 square feet of lush greens and vegetables will be tended year round by youth and adults from the community working side-by-side. We are moving into the next chapter of urban agriculture in Boston with our partners at the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and tremendous support from the Boston Public Health Commission and the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation. Learn more and follow updates about the project on our blog and Facebook page.

Your Hands in the Soil and Veggies on Your Plate
Although it was ushered in by torrential rains, we’re happy to say that spring has finally arrived on our farms! Seeds are sprouting and we need your support. Join one of our Community Supported Agriculture farm shares and receive a full season of fresh produce in one of seven communities (Arlington, Beverly, Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, Lincoln, Lynn and Somerville). On the other end of the path from farm to table, we invite volunteers to our farms each spring and fall! Our Serve & Grow calendar is constantly updated with where and when we are looking for help. Check it out today!

Hundreds of Youth Interviewing Right Now!
We can’t neglect to mention that this week and last, we are interviewing over 500 young people for less than 100 spots in our 2010 Summer Youth Program. It’s very exciting to see a record number of teens interested in our work, yet at the same time sad that we don’t have the ability to accept more of them. Many thanks to all who have applied, and we’ll see a lot of you this summer.