Santa Fe Standard

Salazar and Chaparral Elementary Schools have each been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation to enhance and expand their garden and outdoor learning spaces. The funding will support efforts to create environments where students can participate in hands-on learning experiences focused on nutrition, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

Salazar Elementary plans to significantly expand its existing garden, providing students with more opportunities to engage directly with nature. The outdoor space will serve as a living classroom where students can grow fresh produce, explore concepts of sustainability, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility. The project also aims to inspire a deeper connection with the environment, fostering an early appreciation for healthy eating and ecological awareness.

"We are incredibly grateful to Sprouts for their support and commitment to enriching our students' educational experiences," said Salazar Elementary Principal Alyssa Maestas. "This grant will allow us to provide more hands-on learning opportunities that connect our students with nature, foster creativity and promote a love for the environment. Thank you, Sprouts, for investing in our students and our community!"

Chaparral Elementary's grant will be used for their Cooking With Kids program and to enhance the school's garden.

“This grant will directly support our Cooking With Kids program," said Chaparral Principal Erica Martinez-Maestas. “Our facilitator is planning to do more gardening work with our students. This money will help us expand our raised garden beds into a bigger garden to grow more vegetables. We also look forward to providing increased engagement opportunities for our families in our garden area."

The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation grant aligns with the organization’s ongoing mission to promote health and wellness through school-based garden programs. By investing in Salazar Elementary, Sprouts continues to support initiatives that encourage children to learn about where their food comes from and how to care for the planet.

The enhancements made possible by this grant will not only benefit students but will also create a lasting impact on the schools' surrounding community, helping cultivate healthier lifestyles and a more sustainable future.

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