Council committees recommend restoring $100,000 community gardening grant program

Committee members unanimously recommended that the full Montgomery County Council consider a $100,000 special appropriation to restore the resident and community gardening grant program to its FY24 funding level.

Clemens Johnson (S12) briefed the committees on the program’s history: the grant was launched as part of the county’s strategic plan to end childhood hunger, was funded at $200,000 in FY24, reduced during later budget cycles and not funded in FY25. Staff said the $100,000 would bring the program back to the earlier $200,000 level once combined with existing budget lines and that a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) would be released if the appropriation is approved.

Director Bruskin (S13) told the committees the program supports climate and wellness goals and that a recent county survey — conducted with Climate Justice Fellows and a small sample of community gardeners — found many gardeners relied on produce from their gardens to feed their families. The director said the NOFO will prioritize community‑led projects that balance food production and education and will consider sustainability and opportunities to leverage private and public resources.

Council Member Sales (S2) asked about evaluation criteria and where money would be allocated; staff said awards will be competitive and the office will review FY24 award results to target projects with long‑term sustainability.

The committees recommended the appropriation unanimously of those present; staff said awards under the NOFO would likely begin in May or June and could run into FY27, possibly reducing the need for a separate FY27 appropriation.