Spring Grove project will be a learning tool and food supplier
A grant will help Spring Grove School build a garden that will be used both as a teaching tool and to provide fresh produce to the school cafeteria.
The 740-student school last week received a $13,082 check from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, at a presentation on the kindergarten through eighth-grade campus.
“Our district is thrilled to have received this grant,” said Jennifer Bernosky, superintendent and principal of Spring Grove School. “We are fortunate to have many families who are a part of the agriculture industry here in San Benito County who are willing to assist with the project, and we feel fortunate to have Monsanto supporting our school garden initiative.”
Nancy Bergamini, San Juan Bautista Monsanto site station manager, said she was happy to play a part in the donation.
“School gardens and salad bars play an important part in providing nutritious lunchtime meals,” Bergamini said. “This outreach program will promote better childhood nutrition and wellness in our hometown schools as well as a basic understanding and promotion of agriculture.”
The grant was the second local one announced recently by Monsanto, which donated $10,000 to the San Benito County Heritage Foundation to help improve the water and fire suppression systems at Bolado Park.
The Spring Grove grant, Bergamini said, should help highlight for students, parents and educators the value of healthy eating.
“Child obesity is a high priority across the country,” Bergamini said. “The new school garden will be beneficial in encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle and will help increase Spring Grove School students’ intake of fresh, healthy vegetables.”
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work.
