Isles Inc., the Trenton-based community development and environmental organization, has been awarded $358,191 through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Food Equity and Economic Development in New Jersey (FEED NJ) Pilot Program. The grant will enable Isles to significantly expand its network of raised bed vegetable and fruit gardens while launching innovative community engagement programming in Trenton’s East and West food desert communities.
The FEED NJ award, announced by the NJEDA on November 14, was part of more than $20.6 million in grants to 50 organizations statewide working to strengthen food security in New Jersey’s most underserved communities. Isles’ project will combine urban agriculture expansion with community-building activities, including weekly Dinner-and-a-Movie nights featuring fresh harvests from the gardens, complete with free transportation service to ensure accessibility for all residents.
“By expanding our urban agriculture network and creating welcoming spaces where neighbors can come together to grow and share their own fruit and vegetables, we’re not just addressing food insecurity — we’re building stronger, more connected communities where everyone has access to the nutrition and social connections they deserve,” said Sean Jackson, CEO of Isles.
The project builds on Isles’ decades of experience in urban agriculture and community development, expanding the organization’s existing raised bed garden network throughout Trenton’s designated food desert communities. The enhanced garden network will provide residents with increased access to fresh, nutritious produce while offering hands-on opportunities to learn about growing food and sustainable gardening practices.
“This is a chance to build our network of families and invite them to take advantage of our garden opportunities across the City,” said Otha Caldwell, director of food and gardens for Isles.
“Gardeners are a critical part of Isles’ work and we’re eager to continue building this valuable resource in the community,” said Jason Allen, Isles managing director of community planning and development.
“What makes this initiative particularly powerful is how it weaves together food access, community engagement, and cultural connection,” said Laura Fenster Rothschild, COO of Isles. “The Dinner-and-a-Movie nights will transform the harvest from our community gardens into shared meals and experiences that bring neighbors together. By providing free transportation, we’re ensuring that mobility is never a barrier to participation, making these programs truly accessible to everyone in our community.”
Trenton’s East and West neighborhoods are among the 14 Primary Focus Food Desert Communities identified by the NJEDA, areas characterized by limited access to affordable, healthy food options. These communities are home to residents who face significant barriers to food security, making programs like Isles’ garden expansion critically important to improving public health and quality of life.
More information: www.isles.org.