Marin Tax Funds To Support Community Kitchens, Gardens

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The window is opening for community food organizations to apply for grants funded by tax revenue generated by Marin's Parks Measure A. In a news release Tuesday, Marin County said community feedback helped identify key areas of focus, including nonprofits and other agencies that oversee community gardens, kitchens and carbon farming.

The voter-approved measure generates revenue through a small sales tax and a portion of the funds are required to support sustainable food systems. Community groups and surveys helped the county move flesh out its Food, Agriculture, and Resilient Ecosystems (FARE) grant program, which is expected to provide more than $7.2 million over the next nine years.

"After about a year of conservation about funding priorities, we received lists from our working groups that all pointed toward food system priorities," said Sonya Hammons, the FARE manager for Marin County Parks. "It will be incredibly satisfying to identify gaps in the funding landscape and steer this support to address evolving community needs."

The first round of grants will be available in amounts ranging from $15,000 to $200,000. Proposals will be evaluated in the winter, with funding for selected projects expected by next summer. The Board of Supervisors approved a set of grant guidelines on Tuesday.