BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) — Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments, known as VINES, is set to receive funding from the state Department of Environmental Conservation as part of its $6 million statewide grant.
The $200,000 will allow VINES to build two additional community gardens and maintain existing sites across more than 20 locations in the greater Binghamton area.
Amelia LoDolce, executive director of VINES, said the funding addresses food access challenges in the region.
“We’re taking these funds and really stretching them to make a big impact in the community,” LoDolce said.
LoDolce said food deserts exist in the greater Binghamton area, and economic status can affect access to fresh produce.
“When you don’t have personal transportation, you can’t just drive five miles to the grocery store,” LoDolce said. “People then don’t eat as well, they don’t eat fresh produce because it’s the first thing to leave their grocery list.”
The community gardens aim to increase access to fresh produce regardless of financial or transportation constraints.
VINES will use the DEC funding to construct two new community gardens and repair existing ones, some of which are nearly 20 years old.
“A community garden can be built for about $20,000 and can last for the next 20 years,” LoDolce said. “It’s a very low-cost way to make a big difference in a neighborhood and people’s lives.”
LoDolce said the organization hopes to have both new gardens operational by fall or spring of next year.
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