YAKIMA, WA - For FirstFruits Farms, supporting its local community is a key part of its company ethos. As part of its dedication to uplifting those around it, the grower, in conjunction with Opal Apple, has announced the recipients of the Opal Youth Make A Difference Grant. The grant was designed to assist youth-led initiatives that make a positive impact in their local communities while focusing on youth taking on leadership roles.

“We are thrilled to witness the growth and impact of the Opal Youth Make A Difference Grant program,” said Chuck Zeutenhorst, President of FirstFruits Marketing. “We believe that by supporting and empowering these youth-led initiatives, we are fostering a generation of change-makers who will shape a better future for all. We look forward to continuing this journey and witnessing the remarkable transformations that these grant awardees will bring.”

To be considered for the grant, applicants must be nonprofits operating in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. According to a release, they must submit proof of 501(c)(3) status or be affiliated with school entities, in good standing. Each organization must also focus on issues of food security, nutrition, agriculture, or food politics and education.

This year, the program received a record 58 applicants, and after rigorous evaluation, eight were chosen to receive a combined $35,000. They include:

• Katie’s Krops - Growing a healthy end to hunger, one youth-grown vegetable garden at a time
• Water 4 Mercy - Providing water, food, and hope to remote African villages
• LEAF Project - Cultivating youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system
• Grow It Green - Empowering a healthier and greener community
• Tennessee FFA Foundation - Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve
• The Garden Club Project - Teaching at-risk teens how to grow, harvest, prepare, and sell their produce
• AfriThrive - Dedicated to building vibrant and thriving African immigrant and minority families through access to food, youth skills, and economic opportunity
• Cultivating Connections - Working to inspire gratitude, generosity, community, abundance, and love of nature through education and organic farming

The application window for 2023 will be open December 15, 2023–February 9, 2024.

Who will be next year’s recipients? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.

FirstFruits Farms