Photo courtesy of The Giving Grove
The Giving Grove, a Kansas City-based nonprofit, in collaboration with its affiliate partner ReTreeUS and KidsGardening, is proud to announce the receipt of a significant grant from the USDA awarded to ReTreeUS. This grant will pilot new innovations in the school orchard program, including volunteer stipends and orchard supply boxes for teachers in New England.
This funding will provide stipends for educators who help care for the school orchards, as well as materials for incorporating the orchards into their learning plans. The program aims to seamlessly integrate outdoor, hands-on learning with standard curricula, fostering an engaging and productive learning environment for students.
"We are thrilled to bring this innovative approach to school orchards," said Richard Hodges, founder and program manager of ReTreeUS. "By providing financial support to educators and necessary orchard supplies, we aim to create sustainable and impactful learning experiences that benefit both students and the environment."
With guidance from KidsGardening, the grant will also enable the development of lesson plans aligned with school standards, allowing teachers to bring their classrooms outdoors and engage students in practical, ecological education. Additionally, The Giving Grove will supply the necessary tools and materials to maintain urban orchards, ensuring no cost to the schools or teacher volunteers.
"This is an exciting initiative to further connect urban orcharding and education in a tangible way," said Ashley Williamson, co-executive director of The Giving Grove. "We know this will have a positive impact on kids and their teachers as they explore and learn outdoors."
About The Giving Grove: Founded in Kansas City in 2013, The Giving Grove supports urban orcharding programs across the U.S. through a robust network of local partners. With more than 1,000 volunteers, Giving Grove orchards produce organically grown, free fresh foods for neighborhoods facing food insecurity. Learn more at www.givinggrove.org.
About ReTreeUS: ReTreeUS, fiscally sponsored by United Charitable, is dedicated to planting orchards at schools and public spaces in New England, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing educational opportunities that foster a love for nature and healthy eating. Learn more at www.retree.us.
About KidsGardening: KidsGardening’s mission is to create opportunities for kids to play, learn and grow through gardening, engaging their natural curiosity and wonder. They support educators and families with grant funding, original educational resources, inspiration, and community to get more kids learning through the garden. Learn more at www.kidsgardening.org.
