July 10, 2024 – Pittstown, New Jersey – America’s Grow-a-Row (AGAR), a local non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America.
The grant will support AGAR’s Fresh Produce Initiative turning $50,000 into 250,000 servings of fresh produce while improving economic mobility for our recipients. We donate 100% of the produce we grow and glean to regional hunger relief agencies and healthcare organizations for patients experiencing food insecurity. Access to nutritious food can lead to better physical health, reducing the likelihood of chronic illnesses. This lowers healthcare costs for individuals and society. Healthy individuals are better able to work, seek education, and participate in economic activities. Access to our donated fresh produce can alleviate financial strain for individuals and families, allowing them to allocate more resources toward other essential needs such as housing, education, or savings. This can help break the cycle of poverty and build a foundation for long-term economic stability. We distribute to every county of New Jersey, all five boroughs of New York City, and five counties in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia. Through a partnership with Feeding America, we have distributed produce to an additional 19 states across the nation. During the harvest season, we host Free Farm Markets in underserved neighborhoods to help relieve the burden of the high cost and limited accessibility of quality fresh produce. Through a partnership with Feeding America. we have distributed to an additional 19 states across the nation.
“Bank of America clearly exemplifies what it means to be a socially responsible company given its generous use of funds and volunteer efforts. We could not be more thankful for the continued support Bank of America and its employees give to America’s Grow-a-Row each year,” says Chip Paillex, President and Founder. “We appreciate Bank of America’s generous support and continued investment in our Fresh Produce Initiative.”
The grant is part of Bank of America’s philanthropic giving efforts in local communities. Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing the needs of individuals and families, including basic needs and workforce development.
“Teaming up with America’s Grow A-Row allows us to make an impact on combating hunger and improving nutrition in New Jersey,” said Alberto Garofalo, president, Bank of America New Jersey. “The Fresh Produce Initiative reaches individuals facing food insecurity in every corner of our state, and our teammates are proud to be part of this effort.”
About America’s Grow-a-Row
The mission of America’s Grow-a-Row is to positively impact as many lives as possible through a volunteer effort of planting, picking, rescuing, and delivering free fresh produce to more than 20 states across the country. Critical to our unique mission, our education program shares the health benefits of incorporating fresh produce into one’s diet while teaching ways to cook the produce we distribute. Headquartered on 423 acres in Hunterdon County, NJ, since 2002 we have harvested and donated more than 20 million pounds of produce for people faced with hunger and food insecurity. America’s Grow-a-Row is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 26-2569598.
About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).
America’s Grow-a-Row Media Contact
Karla Wallack
Sr. Director, Development & Marketing
Karla@americasgrowarow.org
