Let’s Grow Akron, which creates and supports community food gardens in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food, will host its annual FUNdraiser Saturday, Sept. 15, 4 to 10 p.m., at the Hive Mind, 375 W. Exchange St.
The family-friendly event will include food, beverages, music, raffle prizes and produce for purchase, along with entertainment from Rhodes St. Rude Boys and Sarah and Ruth, among others.
Let’s Grow Akron was created in 1988 as a result of a growing concern about inner city neighborhood deterioration and the limited access to healthy foods.
“Let’s Grow Akron is a small organization but has established relationships in the community that allow for meaningful impact in the lives of all different kinds of people,” said Executive Director Lisa Nunn. “Everyone needs to eat. Growing, preparing and preserving food brings people of all ages and backgrounds together.”
The first Fall FUNdraiser was held last year in an effort to raise money to continue working building community by growing food together.
“Let’s Grow Akron is a nonprofit organization that relies on grant funding and donations. There is no charge for services we provide to the community: there are no plot fees in our community gardens; all programs are free,” Nunn added. “We desire to be able to continue offering our services while expanding our reach.”
According to Nunn, “There continue to be challenges and inequities in access to healthy foods for all residents in Akron. We believe that helping people grow their own is the one way to increase access to healthy foods.”
For details about the event, visit www.facebook.com/events/146066936251734/
Those who cannot attend the fundraiser may donate directly by visiting letsgrowakron.org.
Celebrating its 30th growing season, Let’s Grow Akron is a nonprofit that plans to overcome urban blight and alleviate hunger in the community by teaching people to grow, prepare and preserve their own food while working alongside them to beautify their neighborhoods; educating, organizing and empowering people to make a change, creating and assisting neighbors and community groups in establishing community gardens and providing support and resources for continued sustainability; and engaging our underserved neighbors living in areas where there is limited access to affordable, healthy, fresh food and green space. The organization also established the Summit Lake Neighborhood Farmers’ Market, now in its 5th season.
