Matzie: Ambridge nonprofit awarded $2,500 for greenhouse

Will train students on agriculture, hydroponics

AMBRIDGE, Jan. 31 – A $2,500 microgrant to the Ambridge-based nonprofit Crop and Kettle will fund a greenhouse to train students in urban agriculture, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.

Matzie said that in addition to teaching practical hands-on skills for supplementing the food supply, the greenhouse will give students lessons in self-sufficiency and community responsibility.

“Urban agriculture can play a major role in addressing food insecurity, but we need to ensure the next generation understands those skills and why they are important,” Matzie said. “With the new greenhouse, students will get hands-on lessons in agriculture and about how hydroponic technology can be used to grow traditional crops year-round.

“In addition to teaching those practical skills, lessons in the greenhouse will empower students to realize that they can play a role in combating hunger and sustaining a healthy food supply for their community. Those are important life lessons.”

The funding is part of a package of grants awarded under the 2021-22 Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program.

More information on the grants is available at this link: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Agriculture_details.aspx?newsid=1179.