Sowing the Next Generation of Food Citizens
Every school garden sprouts a new opportunity for kids to learn about fruits and vegetables and develop healthy habits. This year, we’re proud to contribute $100K to Whole Foods Market Foundation’s Garden Grant program. Our support joins Amazon Fresh and other donors to help Whole Foods Market Foundation award $3.4M to 950 school gardens this year alone!
These grants will benefit more than 500,000 students and help schools turn outdoor spaces into hands-on learning gardens that spark kids’ curiosity and connect them with where their food comes from. Growing produce like tomatoes, peas, carrots, greens, herbs, and more not only promotes healthier eating habits, but also encourages positive community and social development and makes classroom curriculum come alive.
Cultivating 100 School Gardens Across Country
Newman’s Own Foundation provided additional funding to 100 schools in nearly all 50 states that are nourishing and transforming the lives of children who face adversity. We’re particularly proud to support 18 schools that serve Indigenous students, including Pacific High School in Sitka, AK, Nenahnezad Community School in Fruitland, NM, and Wyoming Indian Middle School in Ethete, WY. These schools’ projects emphasize cultural foodways, intergenerational learning, and Indigenous food sovereignty.
What’s Growing: Themes from Garden Projects
Community Engagement & Food Security
Photo courtesy of William H. Hunter
Community Engagement & Food Security
Gardens aren’t just supporting kids in schools, but whole communities. Schools like Woodmoor Elementary in Baltimore, MD are using gardens to build community networks, provide nutritional support, and foster practical skills for lifelong food security. William H. Hunter in Philadelphia, PA, aims to fill a community pantry with fresh produce and host family cooking classes and harvest dinners for families.
Photo courtesy of William H. Hunter
Equity & Inclusion
Photo courtesy of Lane School
Equity & Inclusion
Projects addressed equity in a variety of ways, from removing barriers for students with disabilities, serving English language learners, and supporting food access for low-income communities. Lane School in Eugene, OR is expanding accessible infrastructure and fresh food access for students with disabilities.
Photo courtesy of Lane School
Arts & Creativity
Photo courtesy of The Alberta School of Performing Arts in Tuscaloosa, AL
Arts & Creativity
Gardens support a wide variety of curriculum, including science, nutrition, math, and art! Schools like The Alberta School of Performing Arts in Tuscaloosa, AL are integrating garden-based learning with arts and sensory experiences, supporting mindfulness and creative expression.
Photo courtesy of The Alberta School of Performing Arts in Tuscaloosa, AL
Planting Partnerships
School gardens do so much more than grow fresh produce. Working together through programs and partnerships such as these Garden Grants, we can help cultivate curiosity, nourish communities, build healthy habits, and inspire the next generation of food citizens.
“We’re always looking for dynamic ways to collaborate with others working to advance food justice. This unique partnership with Whole Foods Market Foundation provided an exciting opportunity to support school gardens at an essential time.”
