Some of the most meaningful community work doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds over time through trust, care, and the choice to continue investing in what’s already taking root.
Recently Raw Inspiration awarded a $15,000 garden and food education grant to Food ED, supporting the expansion of their FED Kitchen programs and ongoing improvements at the Monrovia Community Garden. This marks the second grant Raw Inspiration has awarded in partnership with Food ED, a proud continuation of work that has already made a lasting impact in the Monrovia community.
The first grant helped support the creation and growth of the Monrovia Community Garden as a shared space for learning, growing, and connection. Since then, the garden has become a living classroom welcoming seniors, families, and community members to learn practical kitchen skills, explore seasonal eating, and build confidence around food.
With this new grant, Food ED will expand their FED Kitchen programming in 2026 to include:
- 10 senior-focused health and wellness workshops centered on mobility, creativity, and empowerment
- Community workshops focused on sustainability, seasonal eating, food preservation, and healthy home cooking
- Portable pop-up programs that bring hands-on food education to a variety of community settings
- Garden infrastructure improvements, including refreshed signage and continued support for the community seed library
What makes this work especially meaningful is its ripple effect. Participants don’t just attend a workshop, they carry these skills home. Recipes are repeated. Techniques are shared. Confidence builds. And just as importantly, people find connection in spaces designed for learning together.
Food ED’s impact reports show strong return participation and growing engagement a reflection of programs that meet real needs and create a sense of belonging. This type of sustained impact is exactly what Raw Inspiration seeks to support through its community grantmaking.
“As an organization rooted in farmers markets and local food systems, Raw Inspiration believes in investing in education, access, and long-term resilience. We’re honored to continue supporting Food ED’s work and grateful to see how these programs continue to grow: season after season.”
This story is one we’re proud to share highlighting how local investment, when nurtured thoughtfully, can strengthen entire communities.
We are also proud to note: Community members can also drop off compost with Food ED every Friday night at the Monrovia Street Fair, a simple way to support healthy soil and reduce food waste!
Follow along on their journey or learn how to participate:
