Sprouts and The Giant Company are taking part in programs to support education efforts in their local communities.
Giant is marking its 100 year anniversary and the start of the school year by donating 10,000 bags filled with food, hygiene products, and school supplies to children in need.
“The GIANT Company believes everyone–especially our youngest minds–deserve access to food to reach their fullest potential, which is why we continue to take actionable steps to help eliminate hunger in our local communities,” said Jessica Groves, manager of community impact at The Giant Company, in a statement. “Research shows children have a hard time focusing on academics when they are hungry, so we are doing our part to help kids go back to school with the food and supplies they need to begin the school year with a fresh start.”
Each bag includes non-perishable food items such as cereal, trail mix, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, and applesauce, school supplies including notebook, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, and personal hygiene items like toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, laundry detergent, and deodorant.
Sprouts is also helping area schools. The retailer revealed today the schools selected as part of its “24 Gardens in 24 Hours in 24 Communities” program that was launched to celebrate Earth Month. The 24 schools were chosen from a pool of over 3,000 nominations.
The event will take place September 23-24 and involve 500 Sprouts employees. Sprouts volunteers will come together to build or revitalize 24 school gardens on selected school properties.
“Sprouts is committed to providing children with hands-on educational experiences that shape how they think about food. We believe that our Foundation’s efforts to make these connections will play a pivotal role for children to develop an understanding of the importance of healthy eating,” said Nick Konat, president and chief operating officer of Sprouts, in a statement.
Additionally, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, Sprouts’ philanthropic arm, will support teachers’ efforts to incorporate the garden into their curricula with ongoing professional development opportunities.
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