Whole Kids Foundation and Lettuce Grow Unite to Donate Hydroponic Growing Systems to Schools and Nonprofits Across the U.S.

Last month, Whole Kids Foundation reported that $1.65M is being awarded for 550 edible educational gardens to schools and nonprofits across the US, serving more than 260,000 students. For those applicants that weren’t funded for a garden grant this year, Lettuce Grow, a Foundation partner, is providing hydroponic growing systems (Farmstands) providing an additional 125 schools and nonprofits supporting children’s programming, to grow fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs and use gardening as a learning tool.

Founded by Jacob Pechenik and Zooey Deschanel and based in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas,  Lettuce Grow is providing a way for everyone to grow fresh, clean and unprocessed food quickly and easily with its Farmstands.

“Whole Kids Foundation is built on a spirit of collaboration, and over the years, we have learned that partnerships can be a catalyst for meaningful and innovative change in children’s nutrition,” said Tristana Pirkl, Edible Education Leader for Whole Kids Foundation. “Lettuce Grow shares our passion for connecting kids with real food and empowering them to develop a healthier relationship with the food they eat. The Farmstands will be an important starting point in this journey for thousands of kids across the country.”

Gardens are becoming an increasingly common educational tool, and for good reason: school gardens are shown to improve children’s academic performance and behavior at school and improve their attitudes about and appreciation for the environment. Experiential learning, which is learning by doing, also helps kids understand concepts in a real work context.

Additionally, only two percent of children eat enough fresh fruits and vegetables, but kids who have a hand in growing food have increased nutrition knowledge and an increased willingness to try, and a preference for, vegetables and fruits, according to research studies.

Lettuce Grow’s self-watering, self-fertilizing hydroponic Farmstands will allow recipients to chose from more than 200 varieties of vegetables, fruits and herbs to grow in the unique vertical gardens. The Farmstands are designed to save time and space, with only a few minutes required for maintenance and harvesting each week.

“Lettuce Grow is committed to improving access to fresh, healthy food for everyone, regardless of income,” said Jacob Pechenik, Lettuce Grow co-founder. “Through our ongoing partnership with Whole Kids Foundation, we are working together to encourage community action, preserve the environment for future generations and create a better food system for all.”

Since 2019, Lettuce Grow has worked with Whole Kids Foundation through its 1-for-10 Partnership to grant one Farmstand to K-12 schools and community organizations for every 10 sold.