Seven local organizations are receiving a boost in their efforts to expand access to fresh, healthy foods thanks to the 2025 Growing Good Food Awards, a grant initiative of Texas Health Resources Community Hope program. Nearly $114,000 in funding will support grassroots projects that are helping North Texans grow, distribute, and learn about nutritious foods in their own neighborhoods.

Launched in 2020, the program was created to strengthen fledgling urban farms and community-based food initiatives that often lack the resources to apply for large-scale grants. To date, more than $312,000 has been awarded to 15 organizations, with a focus on building sustainable food systems, increasing education, and reducing nutrition insecurity.

This year’s awardees represent a wide range of creative solutions. In Fort Worth, Collective Action Network (CoAct) North Texas will expand its Grow Southeast initiative and the Funkytown Mindful Market, an artisan and farmers market that increases food access and cultural representation. Community Link, which serves families in northwest Tarrant County, will enhance food production at Fresh Link Farms and strengthen its Farmer Buyback Program.

In Stephenville, the Erath County Community Garden is set to expand with new irrigation and garden beds to provide more fresh produce for local food banks. Feed the Streetz Outreach, serving several Dallas zip codes, will grow its mobile pantry program and launch “Table Talk” community sessions to connect residents with resources linking diet, health, and lifestyle.

Dallas-based New Life Farms will create a farmers market near UNT Dallas, while Fort Worth’s Ridglea Giving Garden will expand its regenerative growing and education programs, with a goal of producing 2,000 pounds of food in the coming year. The Southside Community Garden, also in Fort Worth, will support revitalization days for its grassroots network of home gardeners in the 76104 ZIP code, an area with one of the lowest life expectancies in Texas.

“Nutrition security is a complex problem that starts with access to fresh and healthy foods,” said Matt Dufrene, vice president of Healthy People, Healthy Communities at Texas Health. “By investing in these local growers and organizations, we can help them expand their reach and improve quality of life across North Texas.”

The Growing Good Food initiative is one piece of Texas Health’s broader commitment to reducing nutrition insecurity through programs such as Healthy Hubs, Double Up Food Bucks, and school-based learning gardens. Together, these efforts aim to ensure more North Texans have the knowledge and resources to thrive.

For more information, visit TexasHealthCommunityHope.org.