In Partnership with the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation
About the Garden Grants Initiative
Too many children and families living in at-risk communities don’t have access to enough fresh, healthy food. And far too many of them have never had the opportunity to see, taste or eat some of the garden’s best-tasting, good-for-you produce.
Studies show that many children from at-risk backgrounds don’t have access to fresh produce on a daily basis. However, research also shows that children who grow fresh food eat more fresh food and are healthier as a result.
That’s why the National Head Start Association and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation are joining forces to address this critical issue facing young children. Through the Garden Grants initiative, we will work with Head Start programs across the country to teach children, families, and communities how to grow their own fresh produce—for life.
Our multi-year initiative will make garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families.
Interested in a Garden Grant?
The application deadline for the 2018-2019 program year is November 15, 2018. Read our FAQs. For reference, here are the grant application questions.
Garden Grants
Our Garden Grants initiative seek to bring the life-enhancing benefits of gardens to more Head Start children and families, increasing healthy food access and fostering a lifelong love of gardening.
Who can apply?
All Head Start programs are welcome.
The importance of Gardens for Early Childhood
Hands-on experiences in the garden provide young children with a multitude of life-enhancing benefits, including:
- Access to healthy food
- Increased physical activity
- Reduced risk of obesity
- Improved behavior
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Positive social integration
- Improved relationships
- Greater engagement with learning
- Better academic performance
What’s included in a Garden Grant Kit?
Cedar Raised bed (3' x 6')
Weed barrier cloth
Gardening tubs
Kids' gardening hand tools
Hose, nozzle and reel set
Tomato cages
Gloves (kids and adult sizes)
Small watering cans
Kids' wheelbarrow
Seed starting pots
Seeds
Soil
Plant starts
Curriculum Book: Sowing the Seeds of Wonder
Curriculum Book: Garden Adventures
How you can get more involved
Apply for a Garden Grant.
Grant recipients will receive $5,000, plus a garden kit, to create or expand a garden in their community. Application deadline for the 2018/2019 program year is November 15, 2018.
Join us for an upcoming garden webinar or workshop.
Learn best practices and tips for incorporating a garden into your Head Start program. Open to all Head Start programs.
Questions?
Do you have questions about the Garden Grants Initiative?
Read our frequently asked questions or contact us at gardens@nhsa.org.