Hy-Vee hands out $156K for community gardens in 7 states

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee on Friday announced that it has given out $156,000 in One Step Garden Grants to fund 156 community organizations through its Hy-Vee One Step program. The grants will go toward purchasing seeds, plants, tools and good preservation equipment for community gardens that teach those in need about health and nutrition through the gardening process. 

 

“At Hy-Vee, we take pride in giving back to our communities,” Hy-Vee assistant VP community relations Brad Waller said. “With health and wellness being a major emphasis of our business, we believe funding gardens is a great way to educate our communities about healthy eating and growing their own produce. These One Step Garden Grants allow us to strengthen our commitment to improving the lives of those in need.”

 

The grants were awarded to organizations that applied online in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. The applications were evaluated on demonstrated participation of community stakeholders, consideration of challenges that come with maintaining the garden, the garden’s integration into the community and the intended use of the garden’s produce. 

 

Hy-Vee has awarded 740 garden grants since 2013, the company said, adding that its One Step program has donated more than $1.3 million in product sales since it began in 2011.