Project Name: Diversity Garden
ABOUT THE APPLICANT
Are you applying as a:
Individual
First and last name?
Lauren Amellal
What city or village do you reside in?
Caro
Twitter Handle
none
Facebook Handle
Caro Farmers Market
Instagram Handle
none
ABOUT THE PROJECT
What is the name of the neighborhood where the project will take place? (Please include city/village name too. Example: Mexican Town, Detroit)
State Street/ downtown Caro
Anticipated project launch date
July 15, 2023
Describe your project idea including: a) Is it a project or event? b) What will you do? c) Where will you do it? d) Who, if any, are your project partners?
I do work as the Director of Development (under the DDA). I am applying individually, but I represent a group known as the Tuscola Food Access Collaborative. It is comprised of several community action agencies including MSUE. The project is to create an accessible garden at the Caro Farmers Market location and host educational series with the partners and other local groups. The food would be sold at the Caro Farmers Market, to sustain the future of the project.
How will you engage your community in this project?
The community would be involved in the development of the garden, as well as in caring for the garden. There would also be educational courses taught by our exsisting program partners and members of the Tuscola Food Access Collaborative.
How will the project celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity? Diversity can include different ages, races, cultures, socio-economic statuses, abilities, and more.
We will ensure the garden is universally accessible and features cultural foods that reflect the diversity of our community. We will also host no cost gardening classes and nutrition classes at the site.
How do you plan to spend the $1,000 microgrant? Please list and explain the items, services, fees, expertise, etc. that you plan to purchase.
$650 purchase of prefab raised bed garden/ or construction materials.
$50 seeds/ plants
$100 soil/ soil management materials
$50 watering system
$150 advertising the project
Will your project require special permits?
No
Are you the owner of the property where the project/event will occur?
Rachel’s Notes
Reviewed on 4.13.23. Confirmed member status. Not in a neighborhood (downtown) but don’t think Caro has neighborhoods.
ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD’S NEEDS
Why does your neighborhood need this project?
Our neighborhood needs to bond with food, and with each other. During the Pandemic we saw an outpouring of support as the City of Caro opened the State Street Square/ home of the Caro Farmers Market. We want that excitement to continue to grow with new and engaging projects like this.
What do you hope to achieve through this project? Be as specific as possible!
We hope to strengthen community relationships through hands on collaborative work, and human engagement.
What resources do you already have to make this project successful? Resources could include things like time, partners, expertise, donated goods/materials/space, matching funds, and more.
*We have been offered the space, use of utilities and a $300 match by the DDA Board.
*The Parks & Recreation Committee is interested in financially supporting the project, as the site is technically a City Park.
* The Caro Area Garden Club, MSUE, 4-H, SNAP-ED, and the school district have all volunteered to assist with the educational programing at the site.
* The City of Caro DPW Superintendent has volunteered his crew to build the raised bed garden.
* A local girl scout troop is interested in doing the weeding, and using this project as the oldest young ladies final community project, meaning she will be responsible for much of the communication, networking, and volunteer coordination.
* We have a place (the market/ onsite) to sell the produce, and engage the community.
IMAGE UPLOADS
Image Caption 1 (if any): Our Harvest Day Market is BIG! it would be great to showcase the Diversity Garden and pick pumpkins from our own patch.
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Image Caption 2 (if any): proven community partnership make the dream a reality!
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Image Caption 3 (if any): The Caro Area Garden Club has stepped up to guide the growning!
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Image Caption 4 (if any): The State Street Square/ home of the Caro Farmers Market is the PERFECT location for an accessible garden!
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Image Caption 5 (if any): The City of Caro, Caro Farmers Market is strengthening our community by providing inclusive equitable access to wholesome fun and community engagement.
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