This summer, Sprouts and The Republic of Tea are partnering to raise awareness and funds for elementary school garden programs. Through two limited-edition iced teas, Hibiscus Sangria and Blackberry Sage, both sold in Sprouts stores, The Republic of Tea has raised $30,000, shining a spotlight on the importance of outdoor learning for students.
“The Republic of Tea is honored to offer these two refreshingly delicious iced teas to support the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation,” said Kristina Tucker, Minister of Enlightenment at The Republic of Tea. “We are inspired by the mission of educating children about healthy food and helping to provide them with enriching experiences in gardens across the country.”
Already, the Foundation has awarded Garden School Foundation in Los Angeles with a $5,000 donation to support their 24th Street Elementary school garden program. “As we continue to serve students virtually this fall, we’ll also be ramping up food production at the 24th Street flagship garden for families and neighbors,” notes GSF’s Executive Director, Kathleen Johnson. “This generous contribution from The Republic of Tea, as part of our ongoing partnership with Sprouts, is well-timed to help us provide additional support to our 24th Street school community this year.”
Garden School Foundation is also a recipient of a two-year Sprouts Healthy Communities Grant, and the nonprofit is using the grant funds to strengthen and expand their Cafeteria to Compost program. In the first year, students were able to compost roughly 2,000 pounds of food each month, cutting their cafeteria food waste in half and learning first-hand about food systems.
“It’s a true gift to have partners like The Republic of Tea who are willing to lend their brand and their resources to support youth education,” said Lyndsey Waugh, Executive Director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. “With the start of school right around the corner and the impacts of Covid-19 hitting schools particularly hard, we know that the proceeds from this program will be of great benefit to a handful of gardens in urgent need of funds to help sustain their programs.”
