Press Release

TYLER ARBORETUM RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE FOUNDATION FOR DELAWARE COUNTY TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY

MEDIA, PA (March 11, 2021) – Tyler Arboretum announces it has received an $11,500 grant from The Foundation for Delaware County’s COVID-19 Response Fund to combat food insecurity and promote healthy eating.

The grant will enable Tyler Arboretum to purchase additional plants and seedlings and directly support its mission of preserving, enhancing and sharing its heritage, collections and landscapes with the community by accelerating production and harvesting of its fruit, herb and vegetable crops at Lucille’s Garden. Lucille’s Garden was named after one of the arboretum’s long-time supporters, Lucille Francesco, whose vision was to inspire and educate visitors about the collective benefits, beauty, joy, and impact of sustainable gardening.

“We are grateful to community leaders, such as The Foundation for Delaware County, for supporting efforts to feed Delaware County residents during this time of remarkable need. Fresh fruit and vegetables are often items that are not available to most food banks as donations tend to focus on canned goods and other non-perishable items. Tyler Arboretum intends to donate 100% of the produce harvested at Lucille’s Garden to local food banks in Delaware County now through December 2021 to ensure families can remain healthy during the pandemic.” reports Mandy Santiago, Executive Director of Tyler Arboretum.

About The Foundation for Delaware County

A public charity founded in 2016, The Foundation for Delaware County is the largest

philanthropy serving Delaware County. One of 780 community foundations across the U.S., the foundation encourages philanthropy by providing efficient giving vehicles like donor advised funds, gift annuities and estate planning advice to generous individuals who want to have an impact in Delaware County and beyond and serves as a convener across sectors to address challenging community issues such as the need for a county health department.

About Tyler Arboretum

Located west of the Borough of Media, in Middletown Township, John J. Tyler Arboretum traces its history as a Quaker family farm back to an original land grant by William Penn in 1681. Today, the Arboretum comprises 100 acres of landscaped gardens and historical buildings, as well as an additional 550 acres of natural areas. Visitors of all ages can enjoy renowned horticultural collections, seasonal exhibits such as our treehouses, Lucille’s Garden, Butterfly House, magnificent heritage trees, and 17 miles of hiking trails. The Arboretum is open to the public 362 days a year. For more information, please visit: www.tylerarboretum.org.

Tyler Arboretum:

Mandy Santiago, Executive Director
610-566-9134, ext. 207
msantiago@tylerarboretum.org

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