YAKIMA, WA - FirstFruits Marketing is making sure the next generation has all the resources necessary to make a difference in our industry. Recently, the fresh produce ally announced the winners of its 2022 Youth Make a Difference program, presenting new funding to eight organizations selected from across the nation.

“Everyone at Opal is excited to see the grant awardees’ work come to fruition over the next year,” said Emily Autrey, Program Coordinator. “This year we saw a number of outstanding applications for community garden projects, food education programs, and food insecurity initiatives.”

The eight nonprofits were selected based on their ability to make the best use of the funds, putting them toward a cause that addresses food security, nutrition, agriculture, or food education. According to a press release, the Youth Make a Difference Program received a record number of applications for the 2022 application year, and the selection committee faced many difficult decisions in choosing grant awardees.

This year’s grant winners include:

• Bold 2 B U community, North Carolina
• Grow Healthy, Missouri
• Hunger Harbor Initiative, Ohio
• Ideas for Us, Florida
• Katie’s Crops, South Carolina
• Open Arms Outreach, Georgia
• TCP Young Leaders, Maryland

Applicants who did not receive a grant award this year are encouraged to apply for future years.

A huge congratulations goes out to this year’s winners! For more updates from across the world of fresh produce, keep an eye out for the ANUK logo.

FirstFruits Marketing