Trumbull Obtains $80,000 In Funding For Community Gardens

TRUMBULL, CT — First Selectman Vicki Tesoro recently announced Trumbull will receive $80,000 for community gardens in town.

According to a news release provided by the town, the funds will be used to expand Trumbull's community gardens in Abraham Nichols Park and to establish a new community garden at the Trumbull Senior Center on Pricilla Place.

State Rep. Sarah Keitt (D-Trumbull, Fairfield) worked to obtain the funding through federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

According to town officials, both areas will have raised beds, be fenced and be friendly for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The grant will fund the establishment of both areas with all necessary materials and labor related to the installation of the gardens.

The area in Abraham Nichols Park will include 40-50 new raised beds in a separate area from the existing garden. The area at the Trumbull Senior Center will include 10-20 raised beds, officials said.

"This funding will greatly expand and improve our community gardens in Trumbull," Tesoro said in a news release. "Raised beds and fully accessible gardens will allow all community members an opportunity to utilize a garden. Not only is this a wonderful hobby, but the food is also healthy and can save our residents money on their food bills. I want to thank State Representative Sarah Keitt, who spearheaded this funding for our town. She has been extraordinary in her advocacy for Trumbull projects and residents."

The project is a partnership between the Trumbull Parks Department and the Senior Center. The Senior Center will provide programming on gardening, nutrition, and cooking to compliment the community gardens, officials said.

"Community gardens are beneficial for people so they can grow their own food and plants," Keitt said in a news release. "These gardens increase access to healthy and affordable food for families, reduce food insecurity, and foster social connections with other people using the community garden, among other things. I'm so pleased that Trumbull is adding more community gardens in town."