Sprouts Donates $7,200 Toward Ermel Elementary Student Garden

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation has generously donated a $7,200 grant to Ermel Elementary School, which will be used to expand the school’s student garden.

“I am thrilled to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation and the Ermel Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for their generous support and collaboration,” said Lori Brooks, Ermel Elementary principal.

The Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation awarded $3 million to various organizations across the United States, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. One of the key categories was “Sprouting School Gardens,” which aims to support school programs that provide hands-on learning and practical nutrition education.

The staff at Ermel Elementary saw a chance to upgrade their student garden and applied for the opportunity, with a deadline before July 2024. A year later, Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation would give them a generous donation of $7,200 for upgrades to their garden.

“Our goal is to help children and adults connect with vital resources, learn new skills, and improve their health and wellness,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation

The Ermel student garden was established two years ago and was initially available only to fifth graders. Thanks to this donation, Ermel Elementary PTO is looking to expand the garden and make it available for first, second, and third graders.

“This partnership is more than a gift; it’s an investment in our children’s futures. Through hands-on gardening experiences, our students will learn about sustainability, nutrition, and the joy of growing their own food,” said Brooks. “We are excited to watch our garden flourish and our students thrive.”