2009 Healthy Sprouts Awards

Statistics show that in many U.S. classrooms children who are overweight sit next to others who wonder where their next meal will come from. Many children don't have balanced diets or get enough exercise. Research conducted at Texas A&M University supports the connection between kids' food gardens and improved nutrition. Forward-thinking educators and parents agree that school gardens should be part of the solution to the diet- and exercise-related challenges children face, and they've worked hard to create youth garden programs that focus on nutrition and hunger issues.

To encourage the growth of these health-focused youth gardens, NGA
recognizes outstanding programs through the Healthy Sprouts Awards,
sponsored by Gardener's Supply Company. These awards support school and
youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in
the United States.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the 2009 Healthy Sprouts Awards, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2010 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18. The selection of winners is based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and nutrition and hunger issues in the United States.

This year we will present awards to 20 schools or organizations. Each program will receive:

* gift certificates towards the purchase of gardening materials from our sponsoring company, Gardener's Supply Company. The top 5 will each receive a certificate valued at $500; 15 more will each receive a $200 gift certificate
* NGA's Eat a Rainbow Kit, chock full of engaging taste education and nutrition lessons
* 25 packets of seeds
* a literature package from NGA

Submission process: Applications are due by October 17, 2009.

For more information and to download an application, go to http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts.asp