TIFFIN, Ohio — The John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation has awarded $30,000 to the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, 194 St. Francis Ave., Tiffin, to expand fresh food production at FELC’s Seeds of Hope Farm.
The project will add spring plants, fall root vegetables and winter flowers to the farm’s production by using a grow tunnel to be purchased with grant funds. Grow tunnels are permanently covered growing spaces that can be adjusted as the season progresses to allow optimal growing conditions for longer periods of time. For example, spring garden plants can be started early in a tunnel, which will allow plants to be sold to gardeners and transplanted into the Seeds of Hope fields. Also, the tunnels allow later growth of plants into fall and early winter, which will provide a longer season for root vegetables such as potatoes, beets and carrots.
The grant also provides funds for an electric mower and trimmer to help maintain the grounds around the tunnel.
In addition, some of the funds will provide financial assistance for continuing an ongoing FELC program that provides work and training to people living with disabilities.
The grow tunnel will be added to the farm’s current greenhouse, vegetable gardens and chicken/egg production areas to expand local food production.
For information on renting garden space at Seeds of Hope Farm, or information on FELC school field trips, summer camps or adult education programs, call Hannah Bumb, 419-448-7485, or email hbumb@felctiffin.org.
