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'We can't leave people out.' Project Petals nonprofit improving spaces in NYC minority communities

Executive director Alicia White says her organization Project Petals began nearly six years ago, when she attempted to convert a space used as a dumping ground in her community.

Elly Morillo

Apr 22, 2022, 12:54 AM

Updated 958 days ago

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A local nonprofit is converting spaces in communities across the boroughs in an effort to provide more green spaces.
Executive director Alicia White says her organization Project Petals began nearly six years ago, when she attempted to convert a space used as a dumping ground in her community.
"Growing your own food, having access to produce is a must for our everyday lives, but there is something that our communities lack and so that's definitely my motivation behind my organization. When we talk about climate change and we talk about sustainability, we can't leave people out," said White.
She says the nonprofit has already helped create and restore 10 community gardens, wellness and exercise spaces throughout New York, including a space in the Millbrook Houses in the Bronx.
Project Petals received a $20,000 grant from Toms of Maine to continue funding the creation of these spaces in communities that may not have access to the resources they need.
They say they plan on using the funding to provide community leaders with the tools, soil and assets they need to maintain the grounds.