FELC receives $3,000 POET Community Impact Grant

TIFFIN, Ohio — POET Fostoria has provided the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin, with a $3,000 Community Impact Grant. Funds will purchase eco-friendly electric grounds management equipment and cover expenses related to producing vegetables at FELC’s Seeds of Hope Farm.

“The funds will allow Seeds of Hope workers and volunteers to devote less time to weeding and more time to growing and producing crops,” said FELC Board Chairman Donna Frank.

Part of the grant funds will help sustain Seeds of Hope Farm’s training and employment program for people living with disabilities, who learn work skills, vegetable-growing skills and farm operations.

More than 500 pounds of vegetables are produced in the farm’s greenhouse, hoophouse, raised garden beds, hydroponic area and in-ground growing gardens, such as lettuce, onions, spinach, microgreens, carrots, tomatoes, green beans, peppers, beets, potatoes, garlic, broccoli and asparagus. Produce is grown sustainably and without chemicals. Grant funds will allow the farm to increase the variety of crops offered for sale at the Seeds of Hope Farm Market sold through local Community Supported Agriculture and local farmers markets, including the addition of more root vegetables, spring starter garden plants and fall/winter flowers.

The farm also operates a chicken/egg production system and offers Community Garden plots where people in the community can grow their own food.

In addition, FELC offers educational camps to about 3,000 elementary students on a variety of science-related topics.

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Seeds of Hope Purpose Statement:

“The Purpose of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center’s Seeds of Hope Farm program is to provide locally grown, chemical free produce to surrounding communities, and to offer meaningful employment and coaching in basic job skills for persons living with physical or developmental disabilities.”