Introducing the 2025 Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Partners
Giving One Tenth Community Garden
In the nine years since we started the Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access grant we’ve awarded over $1.4 million to community-led organizations that are spearheading an increase in long-term access to fresh, healthy food across all five wards of Newark. In that time, the Newark community has developed innovative ways to reach more community members with fresh food access through approaches like: community gardens, urban farms, farmers’ markets, healthy cooking classes, agriculture skills development programs, and more!
Since the grant’s inception in 2017, our goal has always been to equip communities with the tools they need to drive — and sustain— long-term change. As we begin the last year of formal funding in Newark, Whole Cities will help support this transition through initiatives like Leadership and Business Developing Training (formerly Garden Hours), where partners can receive one-on-one grant writing, bookkeeping and business development mentoring from subject matter experts. We are confident that the Newark community has the momentum they need to continue to flourish, reaching even more people with healthy food access and nutrition education.
"Whole Cities has been honored to support locally led organizations increasing access to healthy food across Newark for the past 9 years. During that time, I’ve been inspired to witness the collaborative spirit of so many leaders in this community, which not only fosters a healthy environment but also enables food access efforts to go further, faster." —Dianna Purcell, Program Director at Whole Foods Market Foundation
For the final Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access Grant, we're providing, $197,199 across the following ten Newark-based organizations that are committed to broadening long-term access to fresh, healthy food and nutrition education:
Partner Spotlights
Check out these two amazing partners who bring unique perspectives to our shared mission, one a long-time partner and the other a first time grant recipient!
KIDS IN BUSINESS, INC
Annually, the Kinney Community Garden, run by KIDS IN BUSINESS, INC, serves approximately 1,000 low-income, minority residents of all ages from Newark’s Central Ward through a variety of programs designed to expand distribution of healthy food to families experiencing food insecurity. 2025 marks their seventh year receiving a Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access grant, which they will use to expand their successful Good Neighbors community gardening pilot program, install eight hydroponic grow towers in common areas at eight housing sites, launch a collaborative training aimed at teaching community members to grow food sustainably, and more!
Al Munir, LLC
Al-Munir is dedicated to advancing food justice, urban agriculture, and community empowerment through education, mentorship, and sustainable farming initiatives. Al-Munir does this by leasing and activating Adopt-A-Lot properties to create thriving community farm spaces in Newark. Their model helps to increase access to fresh, healthy food while fostering self-sufficiency, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunities for Newark residents. Al-Munir received their first Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access grant this year and will use their award to develop and implement a set of Standard Operating Procedures that will help community members navigate the adopt-a-lot process, making healthy food access and urban agriculture more accessible.
A Special Thank You to the Newark Community Advisory Council!
The Newark Community Advisory Council has been instrumental in helping us evaluate grant applications for the Newark Fresh, Healthy Food Access grant. Their deep knowledge of their community is invaluable in identifying projects that will truly serve Newark's communities. Having local leaders and community members guide these decisions ensures we're directing resources where they'll have the greatest impact - from expanding access to fresh food to supporting nutrition education. The council members have generously shared their time and expertise, and their guidance has been crucial in strengthening Newark's food ecosystem. Thank you for all you’ve done to improve access to healthy food!
SABRINA ROSS
Newark Community Advisory Council Member
“Since 2014, partnering with Whole Cities has been a true pleasure to expand fresh food access in Newark. Their investment in our community has helped plant seeds of health, hope, and empowerment. Together, we are creating a stronger, more vibrant Newark where every family has the opportunity to thrive through access to fresh, healthy food."