Title
Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider/Discuss/Act on a Project Grant Application Submitted by Harvest Seed Project Foundation (4B26-09) in the Amount of Five Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Five Hundred Ninety-Five and N0/100 Dollars ($575,595.00), for Infrastructure Including Underground Utilities, Dirt Work, Irrigation, Sanitary, and Driveway/Parking, Related to the Expansion and Relocation of McKinney Roots Farm to Gray Branch Park. Amount Requested Represents 26% of Total Project Cost.
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: 5: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
5.1 Create affordable recreational and cultural activities for all ages throughout the city
5.3: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City of McKinney
5.4 Promote environmental stewardship initiatives
MEETING DATE: April 23, 2026
DEPARTMENT: McKinney Community Development Corporation
CONTACT: Cindy Schneible, President
ITEM SUMMARY:
• McKinney Community Development Corporation will conduct a public hearing on a project grant application in an amount of $575,595 submitted by Harvest Seed Project Foundation for infrastructure related to the expansion and relocation of McKinney Roots Farm to Gray Branch Park. Project elements include:
o Underground utilities;
o Dirt work;
o Irrigation;
o Sanitary; and
o Driveway/parking.
• The relocation of the farm allows for expansion which will double their hydroponics production, add a 200-tree orchard, double the chicken flock, expand produce garden output, and expand community and educational offerings.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• McKinney Roots is a food donation garden currently located on a 5-acre lot in McKinney.
• The mission of Harvest Seed Project Foundation is to supply fresh produce to the food insecure by growing and distributing it to local nonprofits, schools and churches to alleviate hunger with healthful, nutrient-dense food.
• In 2025, the farm produced 8,000 dozen eggs, 15,000 heads of lettuce from the hydroponics greenhouse, 15 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables, and 15 gallons of honey from their bee hives.
• McKinney Roots has partnered with Salvation Army, Community Lifeline Center, McKinney Little Free Pantry, Community Garden Kitchen and other organizations to distribute food to those in need.
• McKinney Roots conducts educational and community events to share information about regenerative practices, local farming and locally grown food.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• In FY 2023, MCDC awarded $22,000.00 to McKinney Roots for the construction of a chicken coop.
• The request is eligible for MCDC consideration under Sections 505.151 and 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
• Application Packet
• Presentation