December 27, 2017

20 Schools Receive New School Gardens through Western Growers Grant

K-12 schools in California and Arizona receive $1,500 to support new garden

IRVINE, Calif. (December 27, 2017) – In an effort to promote hands-on learning and interactive STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – education, Western Growers has awarded 20 K-12 schools a grant for $1,500 to support a new school garden. Through these sponsored gardens and selected curriculum, students will learn about the science of how seeds become salads, the technology available to enhance plant growth, the engineering behind farm equipment, and the math to calculate how much water is needed for optimal yield.

“Western Growers is proud to support elementary, middle and high schools throughout California and Arizona in their efforts to promote student learning and understanding of STEM-related topics,” said Tom Nassif, president and CEO of Western Growers. “We hope that these gardens will help children see the connections between STEM subjects and farming, inspire them to pursue advanced STEM degrees and, eventually, apply their knowledge to highly-skilled careers in the agricultural industry.”

Each school awarded a grant had not previously had a garden, and the funds will be used for start-up gardens. The 20 that were awarded a grant to launch a new school garden are as follows:

ARIZONA

  • Bales Elementary – Buckeye
  • Cactus Blossom Kid’s, Inc. – Peoria
  • Ellsworth Elementary – San Tan Valley
  • Jack Harmon Elementary School – San Tan Valley
  • Legacy Traditional School Maricopa – Maricopa
  • Peoria Flex Academy – Peoria
  • Rio Rico High School – Rio Rico
  • Wilson College Prep – Phoenix

CALIFORNIA

  • American Student Union – Fresno
  • Dual Immersion Academy Salinas (DIAS Boronda) – Salinas
  • Heritage Elementary – Lodi
  • King City High School – King City
  • Lake View Elementary School – Huntington Beach
  • Minarets High School – O’Neals
  • Olive Street Elementary School – Porterville
  • Rancho Verde Elementary – Apple Valley
  • Silverado High School – Victorville
  • Venado Middle School – Irvine
  • Vista Continuation High – Bakersfield
  • Woodrow Wilson Elementary School – Selma     

Since its inception in 1995, Western Growers Foundation has funded more than 1,000 school gardens in California and Arizona. Today, the Foundation’s School Garden program has evolved to support science, technology, engineering and math curriculum to nurture the natural curiosity of children in areas related to farming and agriculture.

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. Some members also farm throughout the U.S. and in other countries so people have year-round access to nutritious food. For generations, we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

###