Hy-Vee Sprouts - Get Out and Grow

 Our program began last year after a vision of helping kids in our community connect fresh food to good health by growing their own vegetables and then cooking them outside in an outdoor classroom.  Our program partners with the local school district during the summer to provide a consistent enrollment to attend classes each week that incorporate gardening and cooking all in 90 minutes.  Our program received a Statewide Health Improvement Program grant from the state of Minnesota to build the garden itself which is located at the front of our local Hy-Vee supermarket.  The program was developed and implemented by the store dietitian, Jen Haugen.  This year, our partners will expand incorporating a world-renowned cancer research facility "The Hormel Institute" where scientists will bring science to life in the garden with education about cancer prevention.  We are also partnering with our local YMCA for enrollment of kids as well.