Gardening for Good!

Here at Olivia’s, our passion for providing the freshest produce is rooted in goodness. Our commitment to our farmers, customers and consumers is unmatched. We’re also deeply committed to supporting children and the organizations dedicated to their wellbeing.

This week we’re excited and honored to shine a spotlight on an incredible organization creating opportunities for learning through gardening! From grants to educational resources, KidsGardening gives grown-ups the tools they need to help children learn through the garden and discover a lifelong passion for all things gardening. Olivia’s is proud to support KidsGardening and the invaluable work they do!

Meet Em Shipman, the Executive Director at KidsGardening. We recently caught up with her to hear more about the nonprofit’s mission and impact.

Hi, Em! Can you tell us about KidsGardening?
KidsGardening is a national nonprofit working to ensure that all kids have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow through the garden. Since 1982, we have been providing small grants and high-quality educational resources to educators and caregivers across the country. In 2021, we launched an online community, the Kids Garden Community, for garden educators to ask one another questions, share successes, and generally connect. Last year, we were able to reach 3.3 million kids across the country with access to garden-based learning resources. And we’re incredibly grateful to supporters like Olivia’s Organics who make this possible. Kids all across the country are leading happier, healthier lives because we all join together to make gardening a priority.

How can gardening benefit kids?
Gardening with kids has so many benefits, it’s hard to list them all. And many are connected. For example, when kids get the fresh air and physical activity they need through garden-based learning, they are calmer, more regulated, and ready to learn.

The research shows that the largest gains we see from garden-based learning are in the areas of learning, nutritional attitudes, physical activity, mental health, social-emotional well-being, empowerment, and community connectedness.

As kids become more and more aware of the impact of climate change, hands-on learning through the garden becomes even more critical. Through gardening, we can not only empower kids to grow their own food in a changing climate but also to be a part of the solution. Climate anxiety is real, and kids should be presented with ideas for how to manage it. Taking action through experiential learning projects like gardening can significantly reduce these feelings of fear.

How did you first hear about Olivia’s Organics?
I’ve been eating Olivia’s greens for at least a decade, probably more! I’m a Vermonter and only grow my own greens from April through October, so I’m grateful for the fresh, organic veggies Olivia’s supplies to my local store.

Why is it so important to partner and work with organizations like Olivia’s Organics?
Partnering with organizations like Olivia’s Organics not only allows us to spread the word about the great work we do, but it also provides much-needed financial support. KidsGardening is a nonprofit, and we depend on donors to power our mission to ensure all kids have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow through the garden.

What’s your favorite Olivia’s product or green?
Hands-down, the Power Blend greens mix. You can use if for smoothies, salads, and sauteed greens. It’s packed with the most nutrient-dense greens there are. I love it, and my kiddos do too.

What’s in your garden at home?
I grow all kinds of fruits and veggies in my home garden. Berries are our favorite thing in season now, but we also grow tomatoes, peppers, squashes, pumpkins, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, beans, peas, broccoli, potatoes, herbs, flowers, and this year’s addition, maize for our flock of 8 hens.

Where can people learn more about KidsGardening, and how can people get involved with the incredible organization?
Head on over to KidsGardening.org to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved. From there you can sign up to our email to receive free gardening activities to do with kids as well as learn about our grant programs and sign up to join the Kids Garden Community. You can also support our work at givebutter.com/healthykids.

Thanks for sharing EM! We’re grateful for the inspiring work you do!

Have a powerful story to tell that connects with our mission and products? We want to hear it! Send an email to  teamolivias@oliviasorganics.org, or find us on Instagram – that’s @Olivias_Organics.

Thanks for making Olivia’s part of your fresh, healthy life. Have a happy week!

Team Olivia’s