Alum Secures Grant to Support Food Security

Ephraim Palmero used skills and knowledge gained while studying at Andrews University to secure a grant for the “Seed to Store Project,” which is run by the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Palmero's accomplishment shows the positive impact an education can have on one’s community, and it exemplifies the university motto: World Changers Made Here.

 

Palmero completed his undergraduate studies in pre-law and political science at Andrews University in 2020. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in community and international development (MSCID), graduating in 2022.

 

Palermo’s path to obtaining the funding began when he took a grant-writing class at Andrews University taught by Carlisle Sutton, who eventually became Palmero’s project advisor.

 

Palmero chose to prepare a grant proposal supporting the “Seed to Store” program for his grant-writing capstone class project. “Seed to Store” is an initiative of the city of Indianapolis designed to connect small local businesses, including grocery stores, with local urban farmers and community gardens in the region. The project aims to foster collaborations that allow small businesses to source fresh produce from local farmers, particularly those belonging to minority communities, all while addressing food deserts and enhancing access to nutritious food for underserved residents in Indianapolis.

 

The grant proposal, submitted to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, was awarded a total of $129,846 to support “Seed to Store.” The grant will be used to provide subsidies to local grocery stores, enabling them to procure fresh produce from urban farmers. This financial assistance fosters the growth of the local food economy in Indianapolis and promotes collaborations between minority-owned small businesses and local farmers.

 

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