Local Initiative for Food Education (LIFE) program

Want to Eat Better & S-T-R-E-T-C-H your SNAP/ACCESS Benefits? 
Join Greensgrow's LIFE program for 15 weeks of affordable, local farm fresh food, plus free cooking and nutrition classes!  The cost is $15 per week, payable bi-weekly with a SNAP/ACCESS card. Maximize your benefits by earning $2 farmers' market coupons for every $5 spent in SNAP/ACCESS benefits during shopping weeks at our farmers' market.  

Where: Greensgrow Farm, 2501 E. Cumberland St, Phila, PA 19125
When: June 22nd through Sep 29th
Who: Recipients of SNAP benefits (a.k.a. ACCESS/EBT/ food stamps)

For questions or to sign up, contact Noelle at noelle@greensgrow.org or 267-283-6787. 

Last summer, Greensgrow Farms embarked on our Local Initiative for Food Education (LIFE) program, improving access to affordable, local food for dozens of members of our community.  In addition to a share of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit each week, participants acquired skills for budgeting, planning, buying and preparing meals.  Over 15 weeks, 60 distinct food crops were distributed, and 36 recipes demonstrated.  While some participants traveled on 1-2 buses to attend each week, the majority live in our own neighborhood. 

Our area comprises part of the 1st Congressional District, among the poorest in the nation according to recent census data.  Hunger, food insecurity, malnutrition and obesity are part of everyday life for too many, despite proximity to one of the most prolific farming regions in the world.  LIFE aims to break down the barriers – financial, logistical, and educational – that contribute to the deteriorating health of our communities.

After carefully evaluating last year’s season, taking into account participants’ feedback, we have made improvements, and will resume a revamped program on Wednesday, June 22nd.  Our partners in this endeavor include the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, Penn State Cooperative Extension's Nutrition Links Educators, The Food Trust, and our extensive network of local farmers (within 75 miles).