SCLT is known for our programming to bring equity to local food production and access. Within this work, the collection, or aggregation, and distribution of fresh produce has been turbocharged since 2022, when SCLT and other food sector partners entered into an initial $475,000 contract with the state.
Block Party celebrates new retail businesses at 404 Broad Street
On a warm Saturday, October 28, our Trinity Square neighbors turned out to meet, sample food, dance, and celebrate the three new healthy food businesses that are making their new homes at 404 Broad Street: Black Beans PVD, D’s Spot, and the West African Superstore. The event helped build excitement for the final stage of opening SCLT’s Healthy Food Hub, which is bringing nutritious, fresh and culturally appealing food to an area where it has been scarce for far too long.
There was music, thanks to DJ Ladyruck and DJ Franchise. There were beverages thanks to Bottles Fine Wine, and there were kids’ activities. We want to give a special shout out to Thames & Kosmos, which donated 75 educational toys for the event.
SCLT’s neighbors went home from the party with free produce grown at 27 farms in SCLT’s network. The giveaway was one of about a dozen funded by the multi-year USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance grant program, which runs through next year.
The party marked a soft opening for the tenants, although Bean Marcelino has been using the commercial kitchen at SCLT for much of the past year. Chef/owner Bean will open the doors of Black Beans PVD in late November. Darell Douglas, owner of D’s Spot, is also aiming for the end of the month. Luna Walker is eager to open, as soon as her shipment of imported African goods clears customs and arrives in Providence.
Record number of farmers win state-funded LASA grants
On Tues., Feb. 21, the RI Department of Environmental Management announced the winners of the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grant program’s (LASA) 2022 funding cycle.
SCLT’s New Headquarters to Invest in Healthy Food
By Caitlin Faulds, ecoRInews
PROVIDENCE — A multimillion-dollar loan recently granted to Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT) is set to improve the availability of healthy and affordable food in CentralFalls, Pawtucket, and South Providence for years to come, according to an SLCT spokesperson.
The future looks good for new farmers in RI
In 2021, SCLT will be offering increasing support for local farmers, expanding access to farmland and improving our ability to distribute healthy food, particularly in local Black and Brown communities.
Giving Tuesday match supports major farm expansion project
This year, a generous donor is funding a dollar-for-dollar match towards the purchase of The Good Earth Farm in western Cranston.
Pandemic focuses public’s attention on diet-related health disparities
SCLT staff adapt programs to expand food access, ensure farmer safety in wake of COVID-19
Campaign positions SCLT as an ‘important community resource’
In the past year, SCLT laid the groundwork for a capital campaign–the GROW! Campaign–to renovate a building at 404 Broad Street in Providence’s Upper South Side. It will house our offices, a produce processing facility, a Youth Entrepreneurship Center and three leasable spaces for food businesses.
DEM promotes growth of local farm economy with latest grant awards
PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management announced today the award of $276,614 in farm viability grants to seven Rhode Island-based groups working to support local agriculture;