Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Gary Food Council
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 3510 West 15th Avenue
City: Gary
State: Indiana
Postal Code: 46404
Main Phone: 2198103555
Main Fax:
Organization Website: https://www.gfc219.org/
Employer ID Number: 832724224
Organization Tax Status: 501 c3 non profit

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: January 15, 2024
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Junior Master Gardner Program
Project Description:

Introduction:
In recognition of the transformative power of urban farming and its potential to instill lifelong values of sustainability, health, and community engagement, we propose the establishment of a Junior Master Gardener Program tailored for young urban farmers aged 8 to 18. Leveraging my background in sports consulting, community engagement, and youth development, this program seeks to empower the next generation with essential skills in horticulture, environmental stewardship, and the joy of cultivating their own food.

Program Components:

Horticulture Education:

Develop a curriculum that introduces participants to fundamental horticultural principles, including plant life cycles, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices.
Incorporate hands-on learning experiences, such as seed starting, transplanting, and plant care.
Urban Farming and Gardening Workshops:

Conduct practical workshops focused on urban farming techniques suitable for small spaces, such as container gardening, vertical gardening, and hydroponics.
Introduce participants to the concept of "farm-to-table," emphasizing the journey from planting seeds to harvesting produce.
Environmental Stewardship:

Instill a sense of environmental responsibility by incorporating lessons on composting, recycling, and the importance of biodiversity in urban ecosystems.
Organize field trips to local gardens, parks, or farms to expose participants to various facets of environmental stewardship.
Community Engagement:

Foster a sense of community by encouraging participants to collaborate on garden projects, share experiences, and collectively contribute to the beautification of their neighborhoods.
Organize community events, such as farmers’ markets or open gardens, to showcase participants’ achievements and connect with the broader community.
Health and Nutrition Awareness:

Integrate educational modules on the nutritional benefits of homegrown produce and the importance of incorporating fresh, locally sourced foods into daily diets.
Collaborate with nutritionists to provide insights into the connection between gardening, nutrition, and overall well-being.
Implementation:

Collaborations:

Establish partnerships with local schools, community centers, and youth organizations to maximize program reach.
Collaborate with experienced horticulturists, educators, and local farmers to enhance program content.
Seasonal Programming:

Design a flexible program structure that aligns with seasonal changes, allowing participants to experience the full spectrum of gardening activities throughout the year.
Interactive Learning Platforms:

Utilize digital platforms to provide supplementary resources, virtual tours, and interactive content to enhance participants’ learning experience.
Evaluation:
Implement ongoing evaluations, including participant assessments, feedback sessions, and the tracking of individual and collective gardening achievements to measure the program’s impact.

In conclusion, the Junior Master Gardener Program combines my passion for community engagement, youth development, and urban agriculture to create a vibrant and educational initiative. By fostering a love for gardening, environmental stewardship, and healthy living, this program aims to sow the seeds of positive change in the hearts and minds of young urban farmers, cultivating a future generation with a deep appreciation for sustainable, community-driven agriculture.

Total Project Budget: 10,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): personal and other grants

Project Duration: 1 year
Geographical Area Served: Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland
Age Group To Be Served: 8-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mr
Contact First Name: Carl
Contact Last Name: Weatherspoon
Contact Title: Vice President
Contact Phone: 2196137594
Contact Email: cweatherspoonjr@gmail..com