Green Heart Project announces capital campaign in support of new urban farm project
October 23, 2019
Most ambitious project to date will enable local nonprofit to more than double their reach in the community
The Green Heart Project, a local nonprofit focused on education, healthy food and community, is officially launching its biggest capital project to date—the Urban Farm at Enston Home. The farm will serve as a central venue for farm-to-school and outdoor education, youth development, healthy food access and community building.
“I believe youth development and education set the roots from which we all grow as a community,” said Karalee Nielsen Fallert, local restaurateur and Green Heart co-founder and board member. “I’m proud to personally invest in this campaign, and encourage others to become part of creating a resource for our community for generations to come.”
With 12 existing school partnerships throughout the Charleston area, the new downtown urban farm will be a legacy project for the organization as it marks its 10th anniversary this year. The farm will serve the community on a larger scale, bringing together three surrounding schools—James Simons Elementary, Charleston Catholic School and Charleston Math & Science—as well as the downtown community and Enston Home residents, engaging 6,500 people annually.
“In our tenth year, we’re thrilled to launch our biggest project yet. One that not only continues our existing school educational programs but brings the community together on a larger scale,” said Jesse Blom, Green Heart’s executive director. “Carrying out William Enston’s vision, the farm will provide green space and a place to gather for all.”
The planning process began after a partnership was formed in 2017 with the Charleston Housing Authority to secure the site. Green Heart then worked with long time partner SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a leader of environmentally conscious, low-impact advancements in engineering and site design, to gather community feedback and create the initial plans for the urban farm. The organization is aiming for a groundbreaking in November as part of Trident United Way’s Day of Caring.
“We are proud to partner with The Green Heart Project in support of its mission, one that aligns closely with our dedication to building meaningful spaces for people,” said Gary Collins, managing principal, SW+. “The Urban Farm at Enston Home provides us the opportunity to engage our employees and business partners to build a multi-faceted project that will have a lasting impact on our community.”
To date, Green Heart has raised 50 percent of its $2.1 million goal to fund the project to sustainability over the next five years. Once finalized, it’s estimated the urban farm will yield approximately 3,000 pounds of produce available to the community and school programs. Long term goals include an upper peninsula farmers market and events hosted at the on-site pavilion and farm stand.
For more information on how to get involved or support the Urban Farm at Enston Home, please contact Jesse Blom, [email protected].
About Green Heart Project
Founded in 2009, the Green Heart Project is a 501c©3 non-profit organization that builds urban gardens and farm-to-school programs in the Charleston area. With a high value placed on health, education and community, the Green Heart Project pairs local volunteers with students to maintain school gardens while teaching academic standards and interpersonal skills. By doing so it looks to educate students and volunteers about healthy, local foods while fostering lasting relationships and building community. For more information on how to get involved, please visit their website at www.greenheartsc.org. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter (@GreenHeartCHS).
