Veggie U Expanding, Launches New Website

MILAN, Ohio—With two recent grants from Toledo foundations in hand, the non-profit Veggie U expects a very productive year. The Stranahan Foundation awarded a capacity building grant earmarked to hire new staff for the organization. Additionally, The Center for Non-Profit Resources of the Toledo Community Foundation granted funding for the development of Veggie U’s new website launched this month.

Barb Jones, co-founder and assistant director of Veggie U, said: "We're extremely grateful to receive this type of funding. We expect the additional staff and new website to enhance our outreach. The stronger we become as an organization, the more children we can help."

The organization has ambitious goals for the new website as part of the battle against childhood obesity and disease. Veggieu.org will introduce visitors to its “Earth to Table" science curriculum designed for fourth graders and special needs students. Children grow and harvest their own veggies in the classroom while enjoying interactive lessons on nutrition, plant science and sustainable agriculture.

Toledo native, Molly Thompson, Veggie U's explained, "Another important goal of our website is to offer a continuum for students and their families so children can build on what they learn in the classroom to establish a healthy lifestyle."  The new site includes “Family Table" pages with healthy recipes, as well as tips for gardening at home. A “Kid's Corner" hosts veggie games and quizzes, plus kid-friendly recommended reading. A “Teacher's Lounge" features ideas for the classroom, testimonials from educators, and an FAQ.

"We're looking to the Veggie U community to help make this a great website," said Jones. "We plan to post many more photos from participating classrooms. Students can look up their school name on our ‘Latest Veggie U Schools’ list. Website visitors can also watch several videos, including an introductory overview of the program."

While Veggie U is deeply rooted in Ohio—where the founders run their family farm, The Chef's Garden – the organization's reach is national. "We've placed more than 1,800 classroom kits across 27 states" said Lynne Eirons, Veggie U's education and volunteer coordinator. "One of our new Veggie U teachers in Eugene was thrilled to hear from the school's kitchen staff that her fourth graders now eat more veggies at lunch—by far—than any of the other students. We say fantastic. What a great example they are setting for their peers.

Tell Toledo » Blog Archive » Mud Hens Continue with Grant Program ...

(TOLEDO, OH) – The Toledo Mud Hens are pleased to announce the continuation of their charitable grant program to aid local youth. The Helping Hens Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation requests letters of inquiry from organizations providing youth enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade with programming that encourages exercise and physical wellness. Proposals must request funds that would be used to enable participation in an organization’s exercise, sports and/or physical wellness programming.

Funds may be used to cover a participants league/enrollment fees, transportation, equipment and uniform costs. Funds are limited and grants will be awarded on a competitive basis.

According to Cheri Pastula, Community Relations Manager for the Mud Hens, “The Mud Hens are pleased to once again give back to the community, especially one that has been so supportive of us. We don’t want the cost of equipment or fees to be a barrier for kids to engage in physical activity. We’re excited to support Toledo-area kids in their effort to keep physically fit.”

**The deadline for proposals is June 1, 2011. Proposals must be submitted through the Foundation’s online application process. The online application can be accessed via the Foundation’s website at www.toledocf.org. Only proposals submitted using the Foundation’s online application process will be considered. Proposals must be received in the Toledo Community Foundation’s office by midnight of the application deadline. Proposals will only be considered from non-profit, charitable organizations which have been designated as having tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or can receive Foundation funding.

The Toledo Community Foundation, Inc. is a public charitable organization created by citizens of its community to enrich the quality of life for individuals and families in its service area, which includes Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.

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