Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a $1 million grant to the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) during their annual leadership conference in Atlanta, part of a national effort to plant and maintain trees in American cities. This grant, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, aims to enhance tree cover in disadvantaged communities. Vilsack envisions trees providing shade, reducing electric bills, and creating job opportunities nationwide. COGIC, one of 385 organizations selected for funding out of hundreds of applicants, sees this initiative as a chance to beautify low-income neighborhoods and inspire youth to pursue careers in agriculture. Vilsack highlights the potential for youth engagement through tree planting, possibly sparking interest in forestry or urban agriculture. The initiative aims to combat food deserts by planting fruit-bearing trees, offering communities access to fresh produce. This program, established under the Inflation Reduction Act to address climate change and promote clean energy, represents a collaborative effort between the government and religious organizations to foster environmental sustainability and community development.