The partnership between Mercy Health and Toledo GROWs will expand community gardens in food-insecure neighborhoods to increase access to fresh, healthy food.
TOLEDO, Ohio — A local organization has received a boost in funding to increase the reach and impact of community gardens in the city’s most food-insecure neighborhoods.
The Mercy Health Foundation awarded a $68,500 Community Health Fund grant to Toledo GROWs to expand its community garden initiatives in zip codes 43608, 43610 and 43620.
The partnership between Toledo GROWs and Mercy Health, announced in a press release Tuesday, aims to improve access to healthy food for families in underserved Toledo neighborhoods.
The goal is to empower individuals to grow and consume fresh food while addressing food insecurity in high-need areas.
“Mercy Health is committed to serving our communities, including providing financial assistance to local partners through a specially earmarked ministry fund,” Mercy Health spokesperson Erica Blake said. “This fund awards nearly $1 million annually in Community Health Fund awards to local partner organizations, and Toledo GROWs was chosen for the great work they do to help with food insecurity.”
The initiative will provide essential materials, coordinate purchases and deliveries and host events to promote healthy eating and community engagement.
“Food insecurity and limited access to healthy food continue to be major challenges in Toledo, particularly in neighborhoods located in food deserts,” said Jessica Henry, community health director at Mercy Health – Toledo. “Mercy Health is proud to partner with Toledo GROWs to bring healthy food to families in need. A healthy lifestyle starts with access to healthy food, and we are committed to ensuring more Toledoans have the resources they need to live healthier lives.”
Founded in 1995, Toledo GROWs is a nonprofit that supports more than 100 community gardens and offers educational programs to teach individuals and families how to grow and prepare fresh food. Toledo GROWs also fosters community connections and beautifies neighborhoods through its efforts.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Mercy Health to continue expanding the impact of Toledo GROWs,” Yvonne Dubielak, executive director of Toledo GROWs, said. “Together, we can make a lasting difference in these communities by providing families with the tools and knowledge to improve their health.”
The new partnership builds on Mercy Health’s broader efforts to address health disparities in the community. In January 2024, the Mercy Health Foundation awarded a $290,000 grant to revitalize The Friendly Center in the Vistula neighborhood.
Toledo GROWs is also a partner in the Getting Healthy Zone project, a collaborative initiative involving over 30 community organizations working to improve health outcomes in central Toledo neighborhoods near Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center.