AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
We are thankful to be recognized for growing something meaningful together. Every award belongs to you–our community–who makes this work possible.
A Special Recognition from Senator Aisha Wahab
We’re so honored and excited to have received a CA State Senate Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab for the expansion of our new Urban Farm.
District Representative Barbara Ledesma Rhinehalt presented the certificate to our Board President, Elaine Owyang, and our Director, Development, Partnerships & Marketing, Bettina Grab, during our Grow Together celebration last week.
This recognition isn’t just for us — it’s for every volunteer, student, supporter, and partner who helped bring this vision to life.
Thank you, Senator Wahab, for supporting our mission to educate people and build living classrooms, soil science labs, and community spaces that empower people to learn, connect, and grow together.
LEAF Urban Farm is a USDA People's Garden
In June 2024, LEAF Urban Farm received the United States Department of Agriculture "The People's Garden" plaque for supporting a resilient, local food system. The criteria was to:
-
Grow using sustainable practices that benefit people and wildlife.
-
Teach about local, resilient food systems.
2024 Girl Scouts
Appreciation Award
LEAF received an appreciation award from the Coyote Hills Girl Scout Troop on May 20th for our 3 year collaboration on the Earth Day Recycling Program. This year the Girl Scouts collected 151 lbs of crayons, socks and bras that were distributed to organizations that embrace the circular economy so they won't be going into the landfill. The troop has committed to continue this partnership for our 2025 Earth Day.
Assemblymember Alex Lee 2024 Unsung Hero Awards
Assemblymember Alex Lee recognized Elaine and 24 others in District 24 as his 2024 Unsung Heroes. Elaine was selected for the following reasons: Elaine is instrumental in creating the LEAF Urban Farm and the LEAF Community Garden, which focuses on environmental education, regenerative ag, organic farming and community building.
2022 Best of
Fremont Award
LEAF was selected among the most impactful organizations in Fremont. This award recognized LEAF CR Stone Garden (now LEAF Urban Farm) as the best of the best in the Community Garden category. We are honored to have been given this wonderful accolade.
The People's Garden
In Nov 2022, LEAF C.R. Stone Garden (now LEAF Urban Farm) was given the accreditation of "The People's Garden" by the USDA. This is a government program that recognizes community gardens that exemplify the following.
1. Grow fresh, healthy food
2. Support a resilient, local food system
3. Teach people how to garden using sustainable practices
4. Nurture habitat for pollinators and wildlife
5. Serve as greenspace for neighbors to gather, reflect, and enjoy.
Excellence in Community Engagement
StopWaste, a public agency dedicated to reducing waste in Alameda County, has made a priority of recognizing businesses for the positive impact they have on their communities. In June 2022, LEAF was recognized for its Excellence in Community Engagement! Amidst the wonderful compliments given us, the following areas of our mission were highly commended.
Food Insecurity
-
Community garden planter rentals
-
Donation harvests to 2 food banks
-
Fruit Tree Gleaning campaign, preventing food waste
Sustainable Living & Mindful Consumption
-
Focus on composting, food, and plastic waste reduction
-
Earth Day Recycling campaigns, preventing textile waste
-
Regenerative agriculture practice and creative reuse
Community Education
-
Earth Day and other outreach events
-
Talkin’ Dirt online webinar
-
Mentoring Scouts and high school students