Syngenta names Grow More Vegetables grant recipients

A recent announcement from Syngenta recognized the seed recipients of the Syngenta Grow More Vegetable grant program and opened the application process for the 2015 year.

The purpose of the program is to encourage and sustain school and community gardens. These gardens boost the production and consumption of vegetables.

“We want the families to be happy that their kids are here and to feel they’re getting a special opportunity,” Lauren Cluff, a teacher and the program coordinator of an Arizona school, said.

The program recognizes the three most outstanding applicants with garden grant packages, which will support the local communities and educate them about vegetable growth and consumption. Thanks to the program, students living in areas with little or no opportunity to garden have the opportunity to learn how to grow produce.

“Through this program, we have the opportunity to watch high school students, who are usually rough-and-tumble, work with elementary school kids and really make a difference by teaching them about agriculture and food,” Kim Finnerty, teacher at Chemistry through Agriculture in Maine, said.

An example of The Good Growth Plan, the program consists of six commitments of the company. These six elements address the world’s challenge concerning food security. It also outlines measurable standards that enable participants to better concentrate on reviving ecosystems, improving resource efficiency and strengthening communities in rural areas.

“This garden benefits the urban Milwaukee community because it exposes children of all backgrounds and abilities to gardening and brings a nutritious food source to many families in need,” Lynn Falender, JCC grant writer, said.

The 2014 winners are Hawthorne Elementary School (Mesa, Ariz.), Edward Little High School (Auburn, Maine) and the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (Milwaukee, Wis.).

The Syngenta grant program is now accepting 2015 applications from March 18 to Sept. 15. Applicants from throughout the U.S. are welcome to apply. 

“Each year we are impressed by the thriving programs taking shape in schools and communities across the U.S.,” Mary Streett DeMers, Syngenta vegetables communications lead, said. “We are inspired by the efforts of program coordinators and participants to educate students about healthy habits and improve the quality of life for students and residents in their local community.”