PITTSBURGH, PA – May 21, 2025 – Today, Senator Jay Costa announces $129,043 in Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) grant money benefiting the 43rd senatorial district. This program, administered by the Department of Agriculture, helps ensure that low-income households have access to locally-grown produce.
“Supporting our local farmers and supporting our working families in one fell swoop is a win-win for our entire community,” said Senator Costa. “Programs like FFFI are excellent examples of government working well for constituents both across Pennsylvania and specifically within Allegheny County. I look forward to seeing these dollars go towards programs that uplift family farms and put good, healthful food on tables all over the 43rd district.”
Grow Pittsburgh was awarded $100,000 for their project, Garden Dreams Community Agriculture Hub. Grow Pittsburgh’s Community Agriculture Hub at Garden Dreams will complete its final phase of development, addressing food insecurity and expanding access to fresh, healthy food in distressed communities. The project will include a new wash and pack workspace, cold storage, educational facilities, and community gathering spaces, serving as a resource for urban growers, youth workforce development, and food distribution. This hub will empower local residents by providing hands-on training, fostering economic opportunities, and promoting sustainability, while improving access to fresh produce and strengthening the regional food system.
Lettuce Turnip the Beet SC was awarded $29,043 for their project, Native Nosh Market & Kitchen/Unified Fields Butcher Shop and Apprentice Program. Native Nosh Market & Kitchen, a woman-operated, mission-driven food market and community kitchen in Pittsburgh’s Carrick neighborhood, seeks funding to establish a space that fosters local food access, sustainability, and economic opportunity. Slated to open in Spring 2026, the market will feature an on-site butcher shop, a meat cutter apprentice program, and a low-cost community kitchen for preparing fresh meals, supporting local food producers, and offering job training while prioritizing minority and women-owned businesses.
Learn more about the Fresh Food Financing Initiative and this year’s awardees here.
Learn more about the Pennsylvania Senate Democrats’ commitment to every Pennsylvanian here.
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