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Community Food Advocates has announced the release of mini-grants for the development and expansion of garden and urban farm projects in communities, including schools, senior centers and houses of worship in Nashville. Gardens may apply for awards up to $750, with an expected average of $400 per grant. A total of $5,000 will be awarded to grantees. “These funds can be used to build capacity and enhance established gardens, such as purchasing seeds and supplies, or to create marketing materials for their projects,” said Sizwe Herring, Community Garden Program Coordinator for Community Food Advocates. Applications are sought from gardens whose work and mission mirrors that of the Community Food Advocates; to end hunger and create a healthy, just and sustainable food system. Submissions are due December 20, 2010, and awards will be announced January 7, 2011. Applications can be downloaded from the Community Food Advocates web site, or picked up at their office, located at 415 4th Ave. South, at Peabody Street in downtown Nashville. The mini-grant program complements the Inter-Generational Garden project led by Community Food Advocates. The program is initiating and providing stipends for ten gardens in Nashville led by pairs of youth and seniors. Community Food Advocates is a movement of farmers, parents, students, persons of faith, community gardeners, and health advocates united by a commitment to the idea that all members of our community should have access to food grown in a way that promotes the health of people, planet, and community. The Community Food Advocates Community Gardens project is funded in full by the Department of Health and Human Services, as part of the Metro Public Health Department’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work campaign. For more information or details on how to apply contact Sizwe Herring at (615) 385-2286 or sizwe@communityfoodadvocates.