Commissioners Recognize America’s Grow-a-Row and Chick-fil-A of Flemington as they work together to bring 14.4 million servings of fresh produce to Hunterdon County

Picture (l-r): Ryan Reep, Owner Chick-fil-A of Flemington; Chip Paillex, owner America’s Grow-a-Row; Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl.

The Board of Commissioners formally recognized two local businesses in Hunterdon County for their invaluable work in the community. Chip Paillex, owner of America’s Grow-a-Row, a Pittstown based nonprofit, was recently awarded a $200,000 grant through Chick-fil-A’s “True Inspiration Award” program. This grant will help further America’s Grow-a-Row efforts in the community as they increase access to nutritious fresh produce for people experiencing hunger and provide supportive education for clients and volunteers. 

Business owners, Mr. Paillex and Ryan Reep, of the Flemington Chick-fil-A, attended the meeting, and were presented with proclamations by Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl who said, “I want to thank Mr. Paillex and Mr. Reep as members of the Hunterdon County community, who’s businesses are constantly lending a helping hand and committed to philanthropic causes. This recognition is a testament to the amazing work you; your employees and organizations do for our county.” 

The True Inspiration Awards program was created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy. Through the annual grants, nonprofit organizations are celebrated and supported for making an impact in their local communities. True Inspiration Award grants range from $30,000 to $350,000, with at least $5 million awarded annually to organizations throughout North America, including Puerto Rico and Canada. 

Through this donation, America’s Grow-a-Row plans to provide 14.4 million servings, equivalent to 3.6 million pounds of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables through their Fresh Produce Initiative. This program addresses two common barriers to sustaining a diet that supports positive health outcomes; the affordability and accessibility of wholesome fresh produce and the knowledge about how to prepare economical healthy meals. 

America’s Grow-a-Row is one of 51 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2024, that are receiving a collective $5.48 million from Chick-fil-A Inc. To be selected for a grant, organizations must work to address key issues that align with Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities, caring for people, caring for others through food, caring for their communities, and caring for the planet.