Educare of Omaha, Inc., in partnership with Whispering Roots, announced the expansion of its Growing Together Gardens across all five Educare of Omaha, Inc. school locations in North and South Omaha. The gardens are part of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and the National Head Start Association’s GroMoreGood Garden Grants initiative, which connects one million Head Start children across the country to garden education and fresh food.
Educare of Omaha, Inc. received a GroMoreGood garden grant to strengthen and expand its existing garden spaces by adding low-profile, child-accessible raised beds, container gardens, educational materials, family engagement activities, and teacher training. Grant funds will support nutrition
education, cooking demonstrations, and one-time startup costs such as tools, soil improvements, and garden infrastructure that will help the program become more sustainable. Once the project is complete, Growing Together Gardens will provide five thriving outdoor learning spaces where young children can explore nature, build STEM skills, learn healthy eating habits, and connect with the natural world through sensory-rich, hands-on experiences.
“The research is clear: garden-based learning improves educational outcomes, enhances social and emotional learning, and—perhaps most importantly—engages every child’s innate wonder and care for the natural world,” NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci said. “NHSA is proud of our continuing partnership with Educare of Omaha, Inc. to support experiential learning, foster curiosity, and encourage even more Head Start children and their families to learn and play outside!”
Learn more at educareomaha.org.