The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation has donated $325,000 to the Middle Country Library Foundation to expand hands-on nutrition education, gardening and wellness programs in celebration of Sprouts Farmers Market‘s first New York store opening.
The three-year partnership will bring health and wellness programs to about 62,000 residents served by the library system. Sprouts’ first New York location is set to open Jan. 30 in Centereach on Long Island.
“The cornerstone of this partnership will be helping people learn real world skills to make healthier choices in their everyday lives,” said Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, director of the Middle Country Public Library. “Sprouts’ investment is transformational and will allow us to scale our gardening and nutrition education programs in a way we’ve never been able to do until now.”
New Greenhouse, Year-Round Programs
At the heart of the partnership is a new 600-square-foot educational greenhouse that will serve as a hub for hands-on programs. Community members of all ages will be able to engage in workshops and lessons that bridge gardening, nutrition and environmental education.
A mix of indoor and outdoor garden beds will allow for year-round programs, including seed starting, the basics of setting up an edible garden at home and composting in small spaces. Using seasonal vegetables harvested on site plus fresh ingredients from the new Sprouts store, cooking classes will help kids and adults build skills to shape their meals at home.
“Positive experiences like growing, tasting and preparing fresh nutritious food help spark a desire to make healthier food choices for people at any age,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. “These moments not only build skills, but they also build community, and we’re thrilled to play our part.”
Planned Programs
The partnership will support seasonal events and year-round educational opportunities, including a Let’s Eat: Farm to Table exhibit opening Feb. 21, annual Spring Jubilee and Fall Festival events, workshops and nutrition programs co-hosted with Sprouts, and Green Teens volunteer activities such as planting trees, maintaining the library’s butterfly garden and supporting greenhouse events.
“Being a part of our community is core to Sprouts values and one of the ways we bring our purpose of helping people live and eat better to life,” said Nick Farley, store manager of the Centereach Sprouts. “Our entire store team is looking forward to getting involved and building meaningful connections through this partnership.”
The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation partners with community-based organizations to advance nutrition education, health and wellness programs in the states where Sprouts operates. This year, an estimated six million youth and two million adults will participate in programs supported by the foundation. Since 2015, the foundation has awarded $50 million in grants.
Sprouts Farmers Market is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and operates more than 450 stores in 24 states.
Related: First Sprouts Farmers Market In NY To Open At End Of January