Whole Foods Foundation Invests $3.4 Million in 950 School Gardens

Whole Foods Market Foundation has announced a significant investment of $3.425 million to support the establishment and expansion of 950 edible gardens in schools across the United States and Canada. This initiative aims to benefit nearly 555,000 students by providing grants of $3,500 each to enhance learning spaces focused on nutrition and gardening.

For the second consecutive year, Amazon Fresh has contributed to the program, donating $150,000 to fund 48 garden grants. Additionally, in a new development, Newman’s Own Foundation is providing an extra $100,000 to 100 selected garden grant recipients to further support their efforts in cultivating edible gardens.

Significance of Edible Gardens in Education

The recent funding represents the largest annual investment in the garden grant program since its inception. Research conducted by the University of Texas at Austin highlights the positive impact of gardening and nutrition programs on student dietary habits, showing that participants consume more vegetables daily compared to prior to engaging in these programs. Furthermore, edible gardens serve as versatile tools in classroom curriculums, integrating lessons in science, nutrition, mathematics, and art.

Since its launch in 2011, the Whole Foods Market Foundation has granted over $24 million to support more than 9,700 edible gardens, ultimately benefiting over 6 million students. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Foundation, which has invested more than $200 million in over 16,000 partner organizations and schools across 81 countries worldwide.

The Whole Foods Market Foundation is dedicated to nourishing both people and the planet by improving access to essential resources that promote nutrition and financial stability. The organization operates under three main pillars: Whole Cities, Whole Kids, and Whole Planet, all aimed at fostering healthier communities and sustainable practices.

For further details about the grant program and the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives, please visit the Whole Foods Market Foundation’s official website. Follow their updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay informed about their impactful work in the community.