ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DECEMBER 8, 2008

GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SCHOOL GARDENS

BISMARCK – North Dakota schools are encouraged to apply for funds for starting a school garden or greenhouse project through the Green and Growing Initiative.

"Student-run gardens and greenhouses provide young people with wonderful opportunities to learn how to work together to produce and market food products, improve their own nutrition and reach out into their communities,” said Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson. “These are knowledge and skills that can last a lifetime.”

Johnson said grants of $500 to $1,000 will be available on a competitive basis. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) has allocated $5,000 for the program in 2009.

Grant applications must be received by Jan. 15. The grants will be announced in February.

Previous recipients – Burlington/Des Lacs Elementary, TGU Granville High School, New Rockford/Sheyenne Schools, South Heart School District, Bowman County High School, Stanley High School and Tappen High School – are not eligible for 2009 grants.

In addition to NDDA, the Green and Growing Coalition includes the North Dakota Department of Health, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, the North Dakota Career and Technical Education, North Dakota Moving More, Eating Smarter Communities Program and North Dakota State University Extension Service. The coalition provides technical assistance and resources to schools and communities participating in the initiative.

Johnson said schools and other organizations interested in the program should contact Sue Balcom at NDDA at (701) 328-4763 or suebalcom@nd.gov.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.