Congresswoman Summer Lee Celebrates $50,000 Grant for Braddock Farms, Highlights Urban Agriculture’s Role in Fighting Food Insecurity

For Immediate Release
October 22, 2024
Contact:
Vaibhav Vijay, Vaibhav.Vijay@mail.house.gov | (771) 215-7243
Kyla Gill, Kyla.Gill@mail.house.gov | (412) 841-7913

Congresswoman Summer Lee Celebrates $50,000 Grant for Braddock Farms, Highlights Urban Agriculture’s Role in Fighting Food Insecurity

Braddock, PA – Today, Congresswoman Summer Lee joined USDA NRCS Chief Cosby, local leaders, and community advocates at Braddock Farms to announce a $50,000 grant from the People’s Garden Initiative. The grant will support expanded hands-on learning and sustainable agricultural practices in Pittsburgh, a region long impacted by food deserts and environmental challenges.

“Today’s announcement is about more than just a grant—it’s about empowering our communities to take control of their food systems and ensuring that fresh, healthy food is accessible to every family in Braddock,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “Grow Pittsburgh’s work in urban agriculture is transformative, helping to address systemic inequalities that have left too many of our neighbors without access to affordable, nutritious food. This investment will continue that work, teaching kids and young folks about regenerative practices and supporting community resilience in the face of environmental and social challenges.”

The event took place at Braddock Farms, a nearly one-acre site that provides fresh produce to the local community and offers educational opportunities for residents. Since its founding in 2007, Braddock Farms has become a critical resource for addressing food insecurity in Braddock and beyond. With the support of the People’s Garden Initiative grant, Grow Pittsburgh will expand its reach by providing hands-on education about sustainable agriculture to both kids and adults at several garden sites throughout the region.

Braddock Farms is part of Grow Pittsburgh’s broader effort to combat food insecurity and promote food sovereignty throughout Allegheny County. The new USDA Field Office will strengthen this partnership, allowing federal and local organizations to work together more effectively to address the unique challenges faced by urban communities like Braddock.

The event brought together community leaders and advocates to celebrate the growing urban agriculture movement in Pittsburgh, highlighting how local and federal partnerships can provide the resources needed to support sustainable food systems and fight food deserts.

Congresswoman Lee has long been a champion of equitable access to food and resources, as well as environmental justice, and she continues to advocate for federal investments that support sustainable development in underserved communities. Today’s announcement marks a critical step forward in the effort to build a healthier, more resilient future for Pittsburgh.