We are honored  and excited to share that The Edible Classroom has been chosen as one of United Way’s Level Up and Launch Fellows, receiving an initial grant of $25,000 and the opportunity to increase our impact through a special fundraising initiative.  These funds will support two new projects designed to  bring school and community together.

Two schools. Two communities. One Vision.

Building on our established partnerships with Columbia Borough School District and the School District of Lancaster, The Edible Classroom will establish two school-based community gardens which will:

  • Expand our educational reach by employing high school student interns as part of the operation and maintenance of the program

  • Provide additional opportunities for existing groups within each district to participate in the garden such as School to Career classes, Building Trades, Science classes, Family & Consumer Science classes, Art students, students needing Community Service hours,  school day Garden Education

  • Become a platform for community building and educational outreach  

  • Produce student-grown, healthy food for the community

  • Add greenspace to beautify the community

GIVE TODAY!

Lancaster Community Garden

Columbia Community Garden

And the news gets better…

Now through November 10, 2023,  United Way of Lancaster County will match funds up to $25,000 for The Edible Classroom to expand its impact in Lancaster and Columbia through these school-based community gardens. This matching opportunity is in addition to our initial award of $25,000!

As we approach this project, pause with us to consider the following quote from Martin Heinrich, U.S. Senator from New Mexico and author of the Living Schoolyards Act of 2022:

"For many kids, the closest outdoor space is not a national or even city park. It is the school campus right outside their classroom door. In many cities and towns, the local school district is the largest land manager. The way they manage their outdoor spaces directly affects their students’ daily experiences, their mental and physical health, and their long-term academic success."

Our  schools  are a vital hub  of the community and the students  we serve within are our future. By investing in these children and their families  through education, equal access to healthy food, and opportunities to work and play in a shared greenspace,  we can help  build stronger and healthier communities.

Will you join us in reaching our goal?

We are grateful to the United Way for the opportunity to maximize our impact in bringing school and community together. And we would be equally grateful to friends like you who would join us in raising $25,000 to be matched by The United Way.  Would you consider making a gift during this matching funds window? If so, you can make a secure donation through the United Way's online giving platform. Just designate The Edible Classroom when prompted as the Level Up Fellow to whom you'd like to contribute. 

We thank you in advance for investing in our future and the future of the families in the communities served by these two new projects.