Arkansas consistently ranks in the top five states for diet-related diseases and childhood food insecurity. For 15 years, Fayetteville-based nonprofit Apple Seeds has been on a mission to impact these statistics by inspiring healthy living among students through hands-on, garden-based nutrition and cooking education. Now, Apple Seeds has announced its expansion into Central Arkansas, made possible by a partnership with Arkansas Children’s.
In northwest Arkansas where it was founded, Apple Seeds has provided nutrition, education and access to fresh, wholesome foods for over 100,000 students. In central Arkansas, Apple Seeds will be collaborating with local schools to provide students at all K-5 grade levels with hands-on and engaging farm field trips and in-school culinary education hosted at Oak Forest Community Garden. This venture is the result of a partnership with the University District Development Corporation and the University of Arkansas Little Rock.
In addition, Apple Seeds will introduce a during-school cooking education curriculum at local elementary schools across central Arkansas, intended to empower young minds with practical culinary skills and equip them for a lifetime of wholesome eating habits.
“We are thrilled to bring our garden-based nutrition and cooking education to Central Arkansas,” Apple Seeds Executive Director Mary Thompson said. “By collaborating with Arkansas Children’s and local partners, we are sowing the seeds of knowledge, fostering a love for nutrition and cultivating a healthier, more empowered generation.”
Arkansas Children’s will provide financial support for the Apple Seeds program over the next three years, recognizing the critical importance of nutrition education in combating diet-related diseases and food insecurity among children. This partnership is one of several initiatives that Arkansas Children’s supports statewide to address food insecurity directly where children live, learn and play.
“Arkansas Children’s is focused on supporting a variety of partnerships to advance health for children. We’ve seen first-hand how Apple Seeds helps children incorporate healthy living into their homes and communities,” said Marisha DiCarlo, vice president of community engagement, advocacy and health for Arkansas Children’s. “We have been pleased to support their work in northwest Arkansas for the past few years and are thrilled that this expansion will continue to build healthier communities in a way that also brings children fun and joy.”
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