FAUSA awarded two grants at our 25th Anniversary Getaway in Milwaukee.
- Food Hub/Community Marketplace - Nourishing Families in a Food Desert, Long Beach, CA, USA
The money will feed food insecure families living in food deserts in Long Beach, CA. Food deserts are defined as areas where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited or nonexistent, particularly for residents without reliable transportation.
There is a huge problem in Long Beach where 27.8% of residents have low access to healthy food, however in the zip code where our refrigerated Food Hub is located (90810) 100% of residents have low access to healthy food Link to Census Tracts in Long Beach. There is also a racial disparity connected to these food insecurity statistics: 49% of Black households; 30% of Hispanic households; compared to 21% of White households experiencing food insecurity. Our donation will have an impact on the children, families, seniors and individuals living in this food desert.
Learn more about Food Finder’s work here www.foodfinders.org
- The Sewing Labs, Kansas City, MO, USA - The Sewing Labs’ initiatives include two focus areas.
The workforce development area teaches sewing skills as a pathway out of poverty and toward employment and/or entrepreneurship. The 30-week workforce development training equips students with marketable skills and experience to secure stable, well-paying employment in the sewing industry. The program provides industry-leading sewing machine operator training, job placement services, and a supportive community. After completion, participants secure paid full-time apprenticeships locally with partnering employers.
The community area focuses on preserving the multi-generational legacy of sewing while fostering health, well-being, and creativity. Creative community workshops offer instruction while also promoting mental health/well-being. Regular participation in these activities reduces stress, builds social connections, and supports overall mental wellness. Certifications are available in various sewing skills, contributing to personal development and a sense of accomplishment.
Learn more about the work that The Sewing Labs does here www.thesewinglabs.org
Thank you to all of our very worthy nominations this year, the voting was very close and we hope that you will apply again next year.
