Coastal Roots Farm & Leichtag Commons win ULI Healthy Places Award
For Immediate Release:
ENCINITAS, CA – May 26, 2016 – Urban Land Institute (ULI) San Diego-Tijuana announced this month that Coastal Roots Farm and Leichtag Commons are the recipients for the Healthy Place Award for Urban Agriculture for Better Health.
ULI began the Awards for Excellence program in 1979 with the objective of recognizing truly superior development efforts. The criteria for the awards include factors that go beyond good design, including leadership, contribution to the community, innovations, public/private partnership, environmental protection and enhancement, response to societal needs, and financial success. Winning projects represent the highest standards of achievement in the development industry.
“All types of projects have been recognized by ULI for their excellence,” said Jim Farley, President and CEO of Leichtag Foundation. “This award serves as a reminder that responsible land use is not only important to here in our region, but to larger movement of sustainable community.”
Leichtag Commons is a 67.5 acre agricultural property less than one mile from the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Encinitas, CA. Purchased by the Leichtag Foundation in December 2012, Leichtag Commons is a nexus of social enterprise, innovative agriculture, educational programs, and vibrant community life. The Commons is home to Coastal Roots Farm which includes a production farm, vineyard, food forest and more; the North County Hub, a co-working space for 25 nonprofits and social entrepreneurs; and more than 900,000 square feet of greenhouse space occupied by eight agricultural tenants.
Coastal Roots Farm is an independent organization incubated by the Leichtag Foundation to help foster a vibrant, healthy North County and address gaps in the local food system. The Leichtag Foundation established Coastal Roots Farm in response to North County residents’ interest in sustainability and social justice, and to the high number of low-income households currently lacking regular access to fresh, healthy food. Since its launch, Coastal Roots Farm has donated over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries in North County San Diego.
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