Farm Fresh: Pure Growth Project disburses $125,000 in grants towards community farming

The increasing demand for fresh, green produce has forced the hand of many companies and farms to adopt prolific farming techniques. Food companies have launched numerous projects that promote community farming and preserve green lands for agricultural activities. Pure Farmland is a Smithfield Foods-owned brand that specializes in plant-based protein options as a meat substitute

The 2021 Pure Growth Project grants were awarded to 55 select organizations, out of 103 applicants. Each organization will receive grants ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, amounting to a total of $125,000 in financial support. The grants have been awarded to the organizations to support their efforts at nurturing and conserving farming spaces and develop community farming.

Pure Farmland by Smithfield Foods

Pure Farmland is a Smithfield Foods-owned brand that specializes in plant-based protein options as a meat substitute. Although the United States is one of the largest consumers of meat, plant-based alternatives are gaining popularity as people become more health-conscious. In order to promote this growing trend, Pure Farmland launched the Pure Growth Project.

The Pure Growth Project was launched in 2020 to help conserve farmlands where much of America’s food is grown, aside from endorsing community participation and encouraging community farming. The Project awarded $100,000 in grants last year to neighborhood gardens and projects in communities where access to fresh produce is limited. The Project states that its ultimate goal is to increase the accessibility of urban areas to fresh produce while endorsing locally sourced produce like fruits and vegetables.

This year, Pure Farmland increased its commitment to the Project by 25 percent, with hopes of reaching out to more individuals and communities. Michael Merritt, Senior Director of Marketing, Pure Farmland, said that the positive impact of the program was clear for all to see; from developing greenhouses to the construction of raised beds and educational programs for residents to grow their own food. “The impact of last year’s Pure Growth Project grant program encouraged Pure Farmland to expand the initiative in 2021 to empower these deserving organizations to continue to do good in their communities. We’re honored and excited to see the amazing work of this year’s grant recipients,” he concluded.

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