Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.)
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: C.R.O.P.S.
Mailing Address: 167 S. Tennessee Avenue
City: Atlantic City
State: New Jersey
Postal Code: 08401
Main Phone: (609) 412-5046
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.cropsnj.org
Employer ID Number: 81-3384665
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)(3)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/11/26
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Early Childhood WIC Farmers Market Access Initiative
Project Description:

Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces (C.R.O.P.S.) seeks $10,000 to strengthen early childhood nutrition for children birth to age five through expanded WIC Farmers Market access in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Atlantic City has not had a full-service grocery store since 2006, leaving many families with limited access to fresh, affordable produce. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) was designed to support healthy growth during pregnancy and early childhood; however, statewide data show that only 37% of WIC FMNP benefits were redeemed in FY2024. Regional data indicate similar underutilization in South Jersey, meaning a significant portion of nutrition support intended for young children goes unused.

Atlantic County has only six authorized FMNP redemption sites, and C.R.O.P.S. operates two of them within Atlantic City. By hosting a WIC-authorized farmers’ market directly inside the Atlantic City WIC Office, C.R.O.P.S. removes transportation barriers and provides families with a practical, accessible tool to redeem benefits and bring fresh fruits and vegetables home during a critical developmental window.

In 2025, the program operated for 14 weeks and generated more than 600 family visits. With Hermanowski Foundation support, C.R.O.P.S. will operate a 14-week 2026 market serving at least 45 families weekly, prioritize child-preferred fruits and vegetables, and pilot a reservation-based “Family Fruit Box” to ensure equitable access.

By increasing benefit redemption and improving produce access, this initiative supports healthy physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term well-being for approximately 400+ WIC-enrolled families with young children.

Total Project Budget: $18,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Committed/Pending: Atlantic City Community Fund – $5,000 Potential: Local donors and corporate support – $3,000 Hermanowski Request: $10,000

Project Duration: June 1, 2026 – November 30, 2026
Geographical Area Served: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Age Group To Be Served: Birth to 5

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Alicia
Contact Last Name: Newcomb
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (609) 412-5046
Contact Email: grants@cropsnj.org