LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's time for the annual Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest! Entries for the contest are open now through June 14.
The program aims to highlight the importance of involving young people in fresh food production and cultivation.
Applicants can be any school, early childhood education facility, or alternative learning environment that had a school garden during the 2023-2024 school year or has plans to start one in the 2024-2025 school year.
“School gardens are valuable educational tools that help students develop healthy eating habits, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about Arkansas agriculture,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We are grateful for the generosity of Farm Credit and their continued support of this program.”
Winners will be announced in the fall of 2024 for the following categories:
- Best Start-Up School Garden Proposal - $500 Award
- Best Education-Based School Garden - $500 Award
- Best Harvest Partnership School Garden - $500 Award
- Best Community Collaboration School Garden - $500 Award
- Best Overall School Garden - $1,000 Award
- Champion of School Garden Sustainability - $1,000 Award
“As a farmer-owned cooperative, we are excited to continue our support of teachers and projects that engage Arkansas students in food production and agricultural sustainability. Through these partnerships, we can ensure that the valuable role of Arkansas agriculture remains top-of-mind for the next generation,” said Farm Credit of Western Arkansas President and CEO, Brandon Haberer, on behalf of the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas.
To learn more about the Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, please visit their website here or contact jessica.chapman@agriculture.arkansas.gov.