$10k Grant To Build Greenhouse At Coventry Senior Center

COVENTRY, RI — The Coventry Resource and Senior Center will soon have a greenhouse, thanks to a more than $9,000 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, which will ocver the costs of its materials and construction. The food grown in the pantry is donated to the Coventry Food Pantry to help feed those in need.

“Our goal is to provide Coventry’s elders and those with disabilities with horticultural therapy programs to increase their community-connection and help feed our neighbors in need," said Bob Robillard, the director of the Coventry Department of Human Services. "The senior greenhouse program will facilitate growing plants for the Coventry Community Garden. This will promote a healthy intergenerational program to educate participants in organic best practices, horticultural therapy and give back to our neediest residents."

The $9,320 grant will pay for the construction costs, heating and ventilation systems, accessible raised beds and other supplies. Work is set to get underway before the end of the year at the organization's new facility at 50 Wood St.

The grant is part of the RI Foundation's Community Foundation program, which provides grants up to $10,000.

"Our grants will create places to gather, make friendships and launch new collaborations that will build community connections everywhere," said Jessica David of the RI Foundation. "We're excited about these ideas for making community happen in more and better ways at the local level. Supporting community-building will improve shared places and quality of life, promote collaboration and increase community engagement."

All food grown in the garden will be sent to the Coventry Food Pantry, which feeds families, seniors and children in need in the community.