Dear Friends,
In 2023, the Greener Partners Strategic Plan Working Group conducted extensive research and interviews to develop a three-year strategic plan that will guide us through to 2026. The process reaffirmed our belief that food education is at the heart of everything we do at Greener Partners. While our reasons for engagement may vary, such as food-as-medicine, promoting healthy choices, or creating green spaces, we all agree that access to healthy food is a fundamental right.
Greener Partners’ mission is to strengthen community health through urban farming, fresh food access, and discovery-based learning. We partner with schools, hospitals, and community organizations to address barriers to healthy eating through hands-on gardening, cooking, and food education, and through no-cost fruit and vegetable distributions.
I would like to add that Greener Partners’ greatest asset, and unique differentiator, is our team of urban farmers and educators who facilitate transformative food experiences. They bring a-ha moments into every garden and classroom they support.
Those a-ha moments, where a child asks, “What? Carrots have leaves on top?” after which carrots become their permanent snack of choice. Those a-ha moments where a doctor shares (with disbelief), “I had no idea sweet potatoes were a vining plant and grew underground!” That same doctor becomes an advocate for patients to take advantage of healthy food distributions and adding more fruits and vegetables into their diet.
In the next three years, Greener Partners will collaborate with schools in Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties to inspire kids to grow, cook, and eat healthy fruits and vegetables. We will have over 15,000 student interactions. You will see much more of our Farm Explorer truck in your communities. I encourage you to walk up and try some fruits, smell some fresh herbs, and then go home and plant some with your neighbors and family. We are grateful that you are on this journey of expansion with us.
Sincerely,
Damian Petrone
Board Chair
Greener Partners
