Green Our Planet, one of the largest school garden and hydroponics education nonprofits in the United States bringing garden-based hands-on education to 1,200 schools in 44 states, is excited to announce the third annual Northern Nevada Giant Student Farmers Market, made possible by presenting sponsor Hometown Health. The farmers market will take place on May 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. PST at the Nevada State Legislature.
“We could not be more excited to see our students showcase the fruits and vegetables they have been growing from seed to harvest,” said Ciara Byrne, founder and CEO of Green Our Planet. “Bringing the garden to the classroom through a practical, hands-on STEM curriculum teaches students everything from science and conservation to nutrition and so much more. We cannot wait for our legislature and our farmers market visitors to see their hard work.”
The farmers market will feature produce grown by over 150 student “Farmpreneurs” from 15 schools across Northern Nevada, selling produce and handmade crafts. Beyond science-based education, the market also promotes financial literacy for kids in Green Our Planet’s programs through the Green Our Planet financial literacy and entrepreneurship program. The produce they have been growing in school gardens and hydroponic labs turns into a product to sell back to their communities.
“Thanks to Nevada legislators and the funding invested in school garden programming, Green Our Planet has expanded our program into over 200 Nevada schools over the past 18 months,” said Woody Worthington, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Community Engagement at Green Our Planet. “We are now in 416 Nevada-based schools, libraries and community organizations, impacting more than 200,000 Nevada students. We hope bringing the community together showcases the power of hands-on education to our elected officials and inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs and environmentalists.”
Green Our Planet is hopeful more funding for garden-based STEAM education will come to Nevada after the 2025 Legislative Session. Senate Bill 104 (SB104) would appropriate $4 million across the next two years to create and maintain school garden programs and provide training for teachers.
“It is a natural fit for Hometown Health to support Green Our Planet’s work, as they closely align with our mission of nurturing minds and caring for all people,” said CJ Bawden, Vice President of Growth & Retention at Hometown Health. “As a local not-for-profit health insurance plan, we are committed to providing our members with exceptional care and health education to ensure positive health outcomes.”
Learn more about Green Our Planet’s upcoming Giant Student Farmers Market at greenourplanet.org.
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About Green Our Planet
Green Our Planet is a non-profit that uses school garden and hydroponic STEM programs that teach students about sustainability and financial literacy. They are currently operating in 16 out of Nevada’s 17 counties, with programs in over 1,200 schools across the United States. Learn more at greenourplanet.org.
Media Contact:
Ben Engel, The Abbi Agency
ben@theabbiagency.com
(615) 973 – 1768
