USDA grant will expand resources for school orchards in New England

The Giving Grove, a Kansas City-based nonprofit, in collaboration with its affiliate partner ReTreeUS and KidsGardening, announced a grant from the USDA awarded to ReTreeUS.

ReTreeUS, fiscally sponsored by United Charitable, plants orchards at schools and public spaces in New England. The grant will pilot new innovations in the school orchard program, including volunteer stipends and orchard supply boxes for teachers in New England.

The Giving Grove supports urban orcharding programs across the U.S. through a robust network of local partners. With more than 1,000 volunteers, Giving Grove orchards produce organically grown, free fresh foods for neighborhoods facing food insecurity.

The funding will provide stipends for educators who help care for the school orchards, as well as materials for incorporating the orchards into their learning plans. The program aims to seamlessly integrate outdoor, hands-on learning with standard curricula.

"We are thrilled to bring this innovative approach to school orchards," said Richard Hodges, founder and program manager of ReTreeUS. "By providing financial support to educators and necessary orchard supplies, we aim to create sustainable and impactful learning experiences that benefit both students and the environment."

With guidance from KidsGardening, the grant will also enable the development of lesson plans aligned with school standards, allowing teachers to bring their classrooms outdoors and engage students in practical, ecological education. Additionally, The Giving Grove will supply the necessary tools and materials to maintain urban orchards, ensuring no cost to the schools or teacher volunteers.

"This is an exciting initiative to further connect urban orcharding and education in a tangible way," said Ashley Williamson, co-executive director of The Giving Grove. "We know this will have a positive impact on kids and their teachers as they explore and learn outdoors."