The Hamilton County Health Department’s Step ONE Program is inviting schools, churches, preschools, libraries, community centers, and other local organizations to apply for its Teaching Garden Grant, now open through September 19, 2025.

The program, launched in 2008, awards up to ten $1,000 grants to help create fruit and vegetable gardens that serve as hands-on learning spaces. While the initiative was originally designed to combat food insecurity, Step ONE representatives say its impact goes far beyond the harvest.

“They’re spaces to experiment, not only with growing food, but with ideas and thoughts around sustainable food growing,” said Christopher Marinello, a Public Health Representative with Step ONE. “Not only are we providing food, but we’re providing a vehicle for communities,

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