SACRAMENTO, CA - Raley’s celebrated its donation of a Captain Planet Foundation Project Learning Garden to Alyce Taylor Elementary School in Sparks, NV. A third-grade class installed the learning garden by renovating existing garden beds, filling them with organic soil and planting a variety of vegetables and herbs. The event was attended by Sarah Gobbs-Hill and Brittani Haggerty of the Education Alliance, Sparks City Council Members Donald Abbott and Paul Anderson, Wes Duncan, Sparks City Attorney, Clara Andriola, Washoe County Commissioner and Trustees from the Washoe County School Board. It was also attended by Raley’s team members and the Captain Planet Foundation.

“Raley’s is committed to making a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Project Learning Garden plays a vital role in educating kids about the food system—connecting them to where their food comes from and exposing them to fresh fruits and vegetables in a hands-on way,” said Chelsea Carbahal, Vice President, Community Impact & Public Affairs, The Raley’s Companies, in a recent press release. “By sparking curiosity and excitement about healthy eating, we are helping to create the next generation of vegetable lovers.”

Project Learning Garden is comprised of easy-to-assemble raised garden beds, soil, seeds and a mobile cooking cart. The school also receives literacy and science learning supplies and tools to take learning into the garden. Educators are given thematic activities centered in standards and learning outcomes. A library of garden guides and tips for growing, harvesting, composting, cooking with kids, and more is also part of the garden program. Schools with learning gardens report that students benefit from learning about nutrition and science, along with social studies, math, and language arts. Students can expand their palates, taste-test healthy foods and learn about the origins of what they grow.

“Our school is excited to introduce a Learning Garden to enhance outdoor education and deepen our students' understanding of environmental stewardship. By engaging directly with nature, students will learn about sustainable practices and the importance of caring for our planet," shared Kate Austill, Principal of Alyce Taylor Elementary School. “The garden will be integrated into the curriculum across all grade levels, providing hands-on experiences that connect to science, math, and literacy. We want to thank Raley’s and Captain Planet for investing in our school.”

This garden donation was one of three donated by Raley’s, in partnership with the Captain Planet Foundation. The other two schools that received a Project Learning Garden were Pioneer Union School in Sommerset, CA and Mount Rose K-8 in Reno, NV. Schools in the area applied last fall through an online grant process.