Briarcliff Whole Foods Raising Money, Offering Free Seminars

Whole Kids Foundation, a new Whole Foods Market-funded nonprofit, is teaming up with FoodCorps to improve children’s nutrition and fight obesity by building school gardens. Shoppers are encouraged to donate at store checkout through Sept. 14 or online at www.wholekidsfoundation.org. As of Aug. 28, Whole Kids Foundation has raised more than $708,000 for the School Garden Grant program, with the goal of reaching $2 million by the end of September to provide 1,000 gardens nationwide.

The garden grants will be awarded to local schools, districts and garden-related nonprofit organizations through an online grant process. The School Garden Grant includes $2,000 along with class curriculum, resources and mentorship. The foundation will accept grant applications through Dec. 31, and recipients will be notified in February 2012.

“We have been involved with many school gardens in our neighborhood and are looking forward to the prospect of helping new and existing garden flourish,” said Jayme Persons, marketing team leader. “We want kids to taste the freshest food possible and what could be better than growing and harvesting it themselves?”

In addition to garden fundraising, the on Briarcliff Road is offering the following educational opportunities for free:

• Grant Writing Basics Seminar
  Wednesday, Sept. 14, 5pm - 6:30pm
  Get the basic tools you need to put together a strong application and become a better grantseeker!
  
  
• Fall Gardening Class
  Saturday, Sept. 24, 10am - 11am
  Learn what to plant and when for the best fall garden during this live planting demonstration.

Both classes are free, but registration is required at 404-634-7800 or jayme.persons@wholefoods.com.