The Western Growers Foundation Edible School Garden

The Foundation’s mission is to plant and sustain a fruit and vegetable garden in every willing Arizona and California school. Edible school gardens give children the opportunity to learn where their food comes from and the importance of good nutrition. Our mission was cultivated on the basis that “if they grow it, they’ll eat it.” Children involved in fruit and vegetable gardens are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Our Foundation gives back to the community by funding school gardens to address the following issues/needs: 1. Less than 2% of US children eat the recommended 2.5 cups of vegetables each day. (Trust for America’s Health) 2. This is the first generation of Americans at risk of having a lower life expectancy than their parents. (American Heart Association) 3. By 2030, 44% of Americans will be obese. (Trust for America’s Health) 4. Edible schools gardens give children the opportunity to learn where their food comes from and the importance of good nutrition All funds will be directly passed on to schools K-12th in Arizona and California to build or maintain an edible garden in the school, in honor of the Western Growers Foundation. These schools will be allowed to spend the grant money on gardening materials and tools only. We require an application and reporting process (receipts, photo evidence, and site visit) to ensure that the reward is being used with integrity