North 7th & Bedford

Yesterday was the first “No Coat” day we’ve had this year in NYC. Obviously, the city was crowded with happy New Yorkers taking in the the sunshine. Our FOMO helped us get out of bed and hit the streets in very little layers.

First stop was the Union Square Farmers Market on 14th Street. The Union Square Farmers Market is a great place to pick up some local produce, cheese, meat and beautiful flowers. There are also some great community booths like Seeds of Change who were there yesterday to promote their grant program. Founded in 1989, their mission is “to make organically grown seeds available to gardeners and farmers, while preserving rare heirloom and traditional seed varieties, and promoting sustainable organic agricultural practices”. Sounds pretty amazing to me!

This year Seeds of Change is giving away $190,000 in the form of two $20,000 grants and fifteen $10,000 grants to communities and school gardens around the country. The grants will be awarded to programs that “demonstrate their ability to enhance the environmental, economic, and social well-being of gardens, farms, farmers and communities”. In addition, Seeds of Change is also awarding fifty individual prizes of $550 to people, like you and me, to help start a garden in their very own backyard! All you have to do is make a #PledgeToPlant on social media.

Spencer and I walked off with a stack of free 100% Certified Organic seed packets of Muskmelon, Pinecrest Lettuce, Beefsteak Tomato, Dill, Snow Peas, Basil, Spinach and Sunflowers!

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard in NYC, or anywhere in the country, are a teacher, student or just someone who loves growing your own food please apply here to the Seeds of Change Grant. It’s such an amazing opportunity to create a healthier and more sustainable community!