Whole Kids Foundation, a nonprofit focused on children’s nutrition and wellness, announced its partner Lettuce Grow will donate 1,000 Lettuce Grow Farmstands, a commitment of over $500,000, to K-12 schools and school garden-support organizations across the U.S. By growing with the Lettuce Grow Farmstand, students will both have access to an abundant yield of nutritiously alive produce and learn more about how they can positively impact the planet.
This fall, Whole Kids Foundation received over 1,400 applicants for its annual Garden Grant program — the most the nonprofit has ever received in one year. Through their partnership, Lettuce Grow and Whole Kids Foundation were able to further support the U.S.-based garden grant applicants — whether they received a grant or not — by offering the option to receive a Lettuce Grow Farmstand. More than 900 schools and nonprofits supporting children’s programming opted in, which will allow them to grow fresh produce and use Lettuce Grow’s hydroponic growing system as an edible learning space. Recipients will also receive both a seedling starter pack and growing essentials toolkit with supplies to maintain their Farmstands.
“Hands-on learning gardens like the Lettuce Grow Farmstand are powerful tools for sparking curiosity, improving childhood nutrition, and creating life-long healthy eating habits,” said Kim Herrington, Whole Kids Foundation Programs & Finance Director. “Simply put, when kids have a hand in growing fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to try them, enjoy them, and inspire other kids to do the same. Additionally, kids who grow up enjoying fruits and vegetables are more likely to continue eating them through adulthood. Thanks to Lettuce Grow, schools and nonprofits across the country can help their students get a jumpstart on a lifetime of enjoying real, healthy food.”
Lettuce Grow understands there is an urgent need to re-think our food system. To work towards this goal, founders and co-parents Jacob Pechenik and Zooey Deschanel introduced the Farmstand - a self-watering, self-fertilizing system that allows everyone to grow 20% of their own fresh food with no pesticides and 95% less water than traditional agriculture.
“Our youth plays a critical role in helping reshape our future. They are a true force for change. Our aim is to educate, empower, and activate the next generation and provide them access to fresh foods,” said Jacob Pechenik, CEO & Founder of Lettuce Grow. “Whole Kids Foundation is a true catalyst for change, and we are thrilled to continue working with them to support schools and inspire families to improve children’s nutrition and wellness. Through the power of collaboration, we can change mindsets and revolutionize the food system.”
For more information:
Lettuce Grow
www.lettucegrow.com