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July 19, 2021 - Lancaster, PA

Secretary of Agriculture to Travel Pennsylvania, Tour Urban Gardens Building Resilient Communities

This week, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will travel the commonwealth to visit 11 urban farms and ag operations in the cities of Reading, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. At these and many more urban agriculture sites across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are coming together to tackle both local and global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and poor health associated with a lack of access to nutritious foods.

"Food production in our urban spaces - from rooftops or vacant lots, to vertical or indoor farming - plays a critical role in advancing food and nutritional security, while also working to effectively dismantle the hold of systemic discrimination that has created cases of the 'haves and have-nots' for low-income communities whose residents are predominantly Black and people of color," said Redding. "This week, we'll meet the people who have recognized need in their communities and leapt into action to grow food and opportunities, to nourish people and neighborhoods, and cultivate resilience for the future."

Over the past two years, the Wolf Administration has invested $1 million in urban agriculture through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill's Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Program. That $1 million investment has leveraged an additional $1 million in local investments through matching dollars. In total, 70 projects have been funded in 16 counties across the state. (2019-20 funded, 2020-21 funded)



Mike Mitchell, Treasures Markets chairman, gives a tour of the facility with Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf, inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf walks with PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> State Sen. Judy Schwank speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_003.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_004.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Mike Mitchell, Treasures Markets chairman, left, speaks with PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, center, and Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf, inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_005.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf, left, talks with PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, center, and State Sen. Judy Schwank inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_006.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf walks with PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_007.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> The interior of Treasures Markets is pictured inside Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_008.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_009.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Mike Mitchell, Treasures Markets chairman, speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_010.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> The interior of Treasures Markets is pictured inside Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_011.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Representative Eddie Day Pashinski speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_012.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> State Sen. Judy Schwank speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_013.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_014.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_015.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_016.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Mike Mitchell, Treasures Markets chairman, speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_017.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Mike Mitchell, Treasures Markets chairman, left, speaks with PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, center, and Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf, inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_018.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> The interior of Treasures Markets is pictured inside Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_019.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Representative Mike Sturla speaks inside Treasures Markets in Lancaster on Monday, July 19, 2021. The Treasures of Hope Foundation and Treasures Markets were formed in February 2018 to bring back groceries to Lancaster City. Treasures of Hope is a 501C3 and Treasures Markets is an LLC social enterprise under Treasures of Hope. All profits from Treasures Markets go to Treasures of Hope which distributes them to other 501C3 organizations that feed the hungry and homeless.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/18939_AGRIC_FL_Urban_Farms_NK_020.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>