BRIDGEPORT, CT (May 4, 2018) – New Beginnings Family Academy (NBFA) today celebrated the opening of its educational garden. Second graders brought the classroom outside, planting peas, lettuces, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers as part of NBFA’s commitment to teaching students the science of healthy living. Students enjoyed the chance to sample some of the foods they are growing, including a seasonal salad to share, thanks to a tasting-table set up by Whole Foods Market® in Fairfield, CT.
“We are excited to provide outdoor classroom experiences for our students; this is their place to share the practice of growing their own food together,” said Ronelle Swagerty, NBFA’s Head of School. “Our garden is opening up opportunities for our students to experience the science as well as the joy of horticulture.”
Today’s seven- and eight-year-old planters all worked under the leadership of NBFA’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Director, Katherine Habansky, who said, “nearly 400 NBFA students will engage in hands-on learning in the garden, which serves as an outdoor classroom employing lessons in math and science.”
“It is inspiring to see such enthusiasm for kids growing their own produce,” said Cora Triana, Metro Marketing Team Leader for Whole Foods Market Northeast Region. “We are proud to partner with New Beginnings Family Academy because they share Whole Food Market’s vision for deepening children’s affinity for wholesome and natural foods.” Thanks to the grant from Whole Kids Foundation, NBFA received seeds and educational resources, in addition to funding, in order to help sustain the garden long-term.
For more information about the mission and programming at NBFA, visit nbfacademy.org. For information about how to apply for a school garden grant and learn about additional Whole Kids Foundation programs, visit wholekidsfoundation.org. To learn more about Whole Foods Market, visit wholefoodsmarket.com.
About Whole Kids Foundation: Whole Kids Foundation, a Whole Foods Market foundation, is based in Austin, Texas, and operates as an independent, nonprofit organization. By empowering schools and inspiring families, the Foundation aims to help children reach optimal health through the strength of a healthy body fueled by nutritious food. For more information on the Foundation’s programs including school gardens, salad bars and nutrition education for teachers, visit wholekidsfoundation.org.
About Whole Foods Market: For 39 years, Whole Foods Market has been the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer. As the first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market has over 470 stores in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 20 consecutive years. To learn more about Whole Foods Market, please visit media.wfm.com.