NJ A2458

Establishes the "Urban Gardening Pilot Program" administered by the Department of Agriculture to provide grants of up to $35,000 each to three qualified municipalities or nonprofit organizations to create urban gardens in low-income areas

Defines eligible low-income areas as census tracts with at least 20% poverty rate or median family income not exceeding 80% of statewide or metropolitan median family income

Requires grant applicants to demonstrate access to viable urban garden space, location in a low-income area, and a contractual relationship with an agronomist or Cooperative Extension Service representative to teach residents gardening skills

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund, with the Department permitted to retain up to 5% for administrative costs

Mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within three years evaluating the program's effectiveness in improving neighborhood conditions and integrating diverse community residents