A Record-Breaking Year for the Urban Growers Scholarship Fund: Urban Farm Tour 2026

On September 19th, neighbors from across Pittsburgh set out on a self-guided journey through the city's urban farms. They met the growers, walked the beds, and saw how these small plots are changing the way our city eats, learns, and lives. Together, they also raised more for the Urban Growers Scholarship Fund than at any previous Urban Farm Tour, a total of $8,000.

That dollar amount turns directly into opportunity. The Urban Growers Professional Development Scholarship helps the people who run Pittsburgh's farms and gardens pursue training, skills, and resources to grow their work. Every dollar raised this year means more growers can invest in their craft, and more neighborhoods can benefit from fresh local produce, cleaner environments, and vibrant green spaces where vacant lots once sat.

This year's tour featured five sites: Community Garden at Allegheny Commons Park Garfield Community Farm Freeman Family Farm & Greenhouse Duncan Park Peace and Friendship Farm

To every farmer who opened your gates, shared your story, and answered questions from curious visitors: thank you. You showed our community what it looks like to cultivate food, education, and belonging in the middle of a city. Pittsburgh is a better place because of you.

This record-setting year wouldn't have happened without the organizations that stand behind this event and keep the scholarship fund strong. Thank you to The Heinz Endowments, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, Grow Pittsburgh, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, East End Food Co-op, Buy Fresh Buy Local/Farm to Table Western PA, Just Harvest, Horizon Farm Credit, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, CRAFT at Chatham University, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bona Fide Bellevue, Councilwoman Deb Gross (District 7), the Office of Councilman Bobby Wilson (District 1), and Union Baptist Church of Swissvale.

We hope everyone left the tour as energized and inspired as we did. It's a perfect reminder of why we do this work. Here's to a future where Pittsburgh is greener than ever before.

Are you an urban grower interested in professional development funding? Apply for an Urban Growers Professional Development Scholarship here.