The M S Hershey Foundation

THE HERSHEY GARDENS WILL EXPAND ITS ?SUPER SPROUTS? INITIATIVE TO ASSIST IN THE MITIGATION OF FOOD INSECURITY EXACERBATED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE PROJECT TEAM WILL PRESENT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING DESIGNED TO INFLUENCE STUDENTS' ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS TOWARDS FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUITS AND EMPOWERING FAMILIES TO GROW THEIR OWN FOOD. TARGETING FOOD INSECURE FAMILIES THAT UTILIZE DIRECT FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, THE PROJECT WILL REACH MORE THAN 10,000 FAMILIES IN PENNSYLVANIA?S LEBANON AND DAUPHIN COUNTIES. CORE COMPONENTS OF THE INITIATIVE WILL INCLUDE THE DISTRIBUTION OF AT HOME GARDEN KITS TO COINCIDE WITH WEEKEND MEAL KITS, THE DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTION OF A VIRTUAL GARDENING CURRICULUM, AND PROVISION OF WIFI HOTSPOTS AND LAPTOPS FOR FAMILIES WHICH WILL BE LOANED THROUGH THE HERSHEY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM.