November 10, 2015 (Sacramento):  Students at Nicholas Elementary School will demonstrate their new garden science curriculum at an event on Thursday morning to thank Jamba Juice and the GENYOUth Foundation for grants to 14 SCUSD campuses totaling $36,000.

GENYOUth’s program outreach partnered with Jamba Juice on grants for school gardens. At SCUSD, campuses are using the funding to either start gardens or maintain existing ones.

School gardens are becoming increasingly important as outdoor, living science labs where students can study ecosystems, learn about environmental sustainability and examine healthy food choices. The lessons are especially critical in low-income neighborhoods where students grow up without experiencing Sacramento’s agricultural riches. South Sacramento, where Nicholas Elementary is located, has been labeled a “food desert” for its lack of grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

“We are so grateful to Jamba Juice and GENYOUth for helping students learn to love nature and the wonderful bounty a garden provides,” said Superintendent José L. Banda. “This work helps our students grow with healthy minds and healthy bodies.”

Nicholas Elementary is using its grant funding to purchase and install fencing around the school garden. At Thursday’s event, students will analyze soil samples and teams will dig post holes for the new fence.

“School gardens are an important way for students to be active out of doors and to learn the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables,” said Julie S. Washington, chief marketing and innovation officer, Jamba Juice. “Through gardening, they learn that plants need care and nurturing to grow strong, and they make the connection that their bodies need similar care.”

WHAT:                 Jamba Juice/GENYOUth School Garden Grant Event

WHEN:                 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 12

WHERE:               Nicholas Elementary, 6601 Steiner Drive, Sacramento, CA 95823