Assemblyman Jacobson Secures $30,000 Grant for Hands-On Garden Education
ALBANY – State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson has secured a $30,000 grant to support the expansion of the Land to Learn SproutEd program, delivering urgent new opportunities for K-3 students to engage in garden-based learning across several schools in his district.
The funding will help bolster SproutEd’s impactful work in Kingston, Newburgh, and Beacon public elementary schools, where young students gain critical hands-on experience in planting, harvesting, and preparing fresh, nutritious snacks while learning about nutrition, plant science, and environmental stewardship.
Engaging Children in Food, Health, and Environmental Education
SproutEd builds and maintains school food gardens and delivers a comprehensive monthly lesson plan throughout the year—integrating important topics like healthy eating, cooking, and the science behind plants. This initiative creates a direct link for children to understand their connection to the natural world, food systems, and wellness.
“This program empowers children to learn where their food comes from and how healthy eating supports their well-being,” said Assemblyman Jacobson, highlighting the program’s role beyond traditional classroom learning. “It’s vital that students connect with their environment and nutrition early on.”
With the additional $30,000 now secured, Land to Learn will be able to expand resources, maintain garden infrastructure, and enhance lesson delivery to more public schools within these communities. The grant also supports complementary wellness and environmental efforts, including increased offerings of fresh produce in school cafeterias.
Why This Matters Right Now
Amid growing concerns over childhood nutrition and environmental education gaps nationwide, the SproutEd program stands out as a proven model for integrating practical, experiential learning with health and sustainability goals. By prioritizing early education in these key areas, the grant sends a strong message that investing in children’s holistic development is urgent and necessary.
Parents and educators in the Hudson Valley region are already reporting positive impacts, noting improvements in students’ enthusiasm for healthy foods and awareness of ecological issues.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Replication
With this infusion of funds, SproutEd plans to continue scaling its footprint while deepening community engagement. Local officials anticipate seeing additional schools join the program and more robust integration of garden learning into curricula across participating districts.
For educators and policymakers nationwide— including Ohio’s school systems facing similar challenges—Land to Learn’s SproutEd offers a replicable blueprint for bringing fresh, relevant teaching tools into classrooms that advance wellness and foster long-term environmental responsibility.
Assemblyman Jacobson’s action today underscores the immediate impact that targeted funding can have on shaping healthier futures for children and communities.
