Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation Awarded $873,713 T.I.M.E., Inc. Grant to Expand Urban Agriculture and Food Security

The Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation (CASF) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $873,713 subaward grant through To Improve Mississippi Economics (T.I.M.E., Inc.) to expand urban agriculture, strengthen food security, and increase access to USDA resources throughout Central Arkansas.

Funded through the USDA Urban and Innovative Agriculture initiative, this transformational investment will support CASF's ongoing mission to build healthier communities by increasing opportunities for urban farming, conservation practices, and agricultural education.

Over the life of the project, CASF will provide technical assistance, outreach, workshops, demonstration gardens, field experiences, and educational resources designed to empower individuals, families, and community organizations interested in sustainable food production. The initiative will also offer microgrants to help producers purchase seeds, plants, containers, and other essential materials needed to establish or expand urban gardens.

Working alongside community partners, churches, food pantries, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, CASF will focus on serving socially disadvantaged and underserved residents across Pulaski County by increasing awareness of USDA Farm Service Agency programs and conservation opportunities.

The project's goals include:

• Providing microgrants to support urban growers and community gardeners.

• Hosting 20 educational workshops and hands-on training sessions.

• Establishing 10 new demonstration garden sites.

• Increasing participation in USDA programs and helping producers obtain farm numbers.

• Supporting the development of 10 new community gardens over the course of the project.
  

  
  

"This investment represents more than funding—it represents an opportunity to cultivate healthier communities, strengthen local food systems, and ensure that more families have access to the knowledge and resources needed to grow their own food," said James Lee, Principal Investigator for the project.

The Central Arkansas Sphinx Foundation remains committed to creating sustainable solutions that improve food access, promote environmental stewardship, and build stronger, more resilient communities through education, innovation, and partnership. Learn more aobut T.I.M.E. inc. here: https://toimprovems.org/