Hillsborough Township was awarded a $2,000 Sustainable Jersey grant funded by the PSEG Foundation, according to the township.
With the funds, officials plan to create a community garden program for residents, including seniors, to learn about sustainable gardening, with produce cultivated donated to the township’s Community Assistance Network (C.A.N.).
Five $20,000 grants – 12 $10,000 grants and 40 $2,000 grants were distributed to recipients across 17 New Jersey counties. The grant awards will fund a range of projects including food waste recycling; green infrastructure and sustainable landscaping; green fairs; composting; green business recognition; environmental resource inventories; outdoor classrooms; pollinator gardens and more, according to the township.
Hillsborough Township Mayor Shawn Lipani said they always welcome grant funding.
“Thank you to Sustainable Jersey and PSE&G for this opportunity,” he said. “This collaborative initiative between the Hillsborough Sustainable Steering Committee and our Social Services Department will offer educational opportunities for our senior community on gardening projects and initiatives.”
Randall Solomon, executive director for Sustainable Jersey, said the sustainability projects funded by the grants will strengthen New Jersey by helping local communities become more livable, environmentally friendly, and prosperous.
“[The] projects will have a ripple effect that will benefit us all,” he said.
The PSEG Foundation has contributed $3.1 million dollars in funding to the Sustainable Jersey grants program for municipalities and schools over the past 12 years.
“PSEG cares about people and the planet, which is why we’re so proud to be a prime supporter of Sustainable Jersey,” said Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation and director of PSEG Corporate Social Responsibility.
Proposals were evaluated by an independent Blue Ribbon Selection Committee. The Sustainable Jersey grants are intended to help municipalities and schools make progress toward a sustainable future in general, and specifically toward Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
