Nature's Path Launches 15th Year of Gardens for Good Grants
Nature's Path Organic Foods, recognized as North America's largest independent organic breakfast food brand, is officially accepting applications for its annual Gardens for Good: Plant it Forward grant program. This initiative has been deeply rooted in supporting organic community gardens for over 15 years. This year, the initiative plans to grant $6,500 awards to 20 deserving gardens across both the U.S. and Canada, totaling over $100,000 in funding. By fostering collective action, Gardens for Good aims to combat food insecurity and broaden access to fresh, organic produce within local communities.
Empowering Communities Through Organic Gardening
The essence of Gardens for Good lies in its commitment to transforming local neighborhoods into hubs of health and sustainability. "As we kick off another year of the program, we're proud to celebrate 15 years of impact and reaffirm our commitment to making organic food accessible to all," said Jyoti Stephens, Vice President of Mission and Strategy at Nature's Path. Community gardens serve as vital components of this mission, providing nutritious foods and promoting equitable food systems. According to Stephens, organic food should be readily available to everyone, and these gardens play a crucial role in achieving that goal.
A Track Record of Achievements
Since its inception in 2010, the Gardens for Good program has successfully invested nearly $1 million in more than 100 community gardens across North America. The program is poised to reach its ambitious 2028 funding goal three years ahead of schedule. Last year, all recipients of the Plant it Forward grants were community gardens catering to underrepresented and underserved populations. In 2025, the program will again focus on gardens that support these communities, with ten grants available for gardens in the U.S. and an additional ten available in Canada. Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits, and those who received funding before 2020 are welcomed to apply once again.
Making Education Impactful
Nicole Porto, co-director of Land to Learn Garden and a 2025 Gardens for Good grant recipient, shared insights into the broader implications of such programs. She explained, "Our mission transcends merely cultivating plants. We aim to nurture social-emotional growth, foster environmental awareness, and inspire youth to become active leaders in their communities." Porto expressed gratitude for Nature's Path's generous support, which enables them to deliver unique, garden-based experiential learning to over 2,000 children and teens annually.
Application Process and Deadlines
Organic community gardens interested in the Gardens for Good grant are encouraged to apply before the deadline of June 17, 2025. The program encourages all eligible applicants to seize this opportunity to secure valuable funding that can help foster organic gardening efforts in their communities. Detailed information about the application process can be found through their resources and channels.
About Nature's Path Organic Foods
Nature's Path Organic Foods is a well-respected family-owned company that specializes in producing high-quality USDA and Canadian Certified Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, and Non-GMO Project Verified breakfast, baking, and snacks. Operating across grocery and natural food markets in over 50 countries globally, Nature's Path is committed to a triple bottom line: socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and financially viable. Their esteemed brands include Nature's Path®, Nature's Path Flour®, and more. The organization continues to work diligently to support communities while championing both people and the planet. With headquarters situated in Richmond, British Columbia, Nature's Path employs numerous team members across various facilities in Canada and the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gardens for Good program?
The Gardens for Good program is an initiative by Nature's Path Organic Foods that provides grants to community gardens aimed at promoting organic food and addressing food insecurity.
Who can apply for the Gardens for Good grants?
Eligible applicants must be registered non-profits that operate community gardens, especially those serving underrepresented and underserved communities.
How much funding is available through the program?
This year, a total of $100,000 is available, with 20 grants of $6,500 each earmarked for community gardens in both the U.S. and Canada.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications for the Gardens for Good program is June 17, 2025.
What impact has the program had since its inception?
Since 2010, the Gardens for Good program has awarded nearly $1 million to over 100 community gardens, significantly impacting food accessibility and community engagement.
