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BankNewport Charitable Foundation Grant for AgInnovation Farm Experiential Learning Initiative

09.29.25

NEWPORT, RI (September 11, 2025) – BankNewport representatives recently joined educators and students at the Portsmouth AgInnovation Farm (AgInnovation), on Jepson Lane in Portsmouth, to celebrate another successful growing season and summer camp experiential learning initiative. The Bank extended a $5,000 grant to the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD) to help complete construction of a solar-powered electric door for the AgInnovation Farm’s tractor shed.  This funding helped support the final phase of a critical infrastructure project that enhances farm productivity, storage efficiency, and food security efforts across Aquidneck Island.

AgInnovation serves as both a student-run farm and a hub for food donations across the region. In 2023, the farm donated more than 480 pounds of produce and 120 eggs to Aquidneck Island food banks while hosting 107 student participants. With the additional storage capacity from the completed shed, the farm will free up space in its seasonal high tunnel to grow more produce and expand its variety of crops—targeting a 20% increase in food donations during the 2025 growing season.

AgInnovation’s produce reaches food banks that serve nearly 6,000 residents across Aquidneck Island communities including the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Newport, where 98% of households served meet federal SNAP income guidelines.

By supporting a fully enclosed, solar-powered structure, the Bank grant also aligns with ERICD’s mission to promote sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.  Previous BankNewport grants have helped support a sunshade that covers the Farm’s outdoor classroom, where programming takes place throughout the year, along with essential attachments for the Farm’s tractor.

 

 

Photo Caption:

BankNewport Vice President/Residential Loan Officer, Karen Vebber (second from left) and Vice President/Premier Banking Manager, Evan Rose (far right) joined AgInnovation Farm Educator, Lisa Brew (far left) and some camp students to celebrate another successful summer growing season.