Grants for Nevada school gardens awarded

A total of 48 Nevada schools in five counties have been awarded grants to support school garden projects.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture is making the grants of up to $10,000 using funding contained in Senate Bill 167 that was signed by Gov. Brian Sandoval in June.

The bill also includes a total of $205,000 for grants to Title 1 schools in less affluent areas to apply for up to $5,000.

“Encouraging consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is an ongoing priority for Nevada schools to promote healthy living and learning for students,” said Agriculture Director Jim Barbee.

He said the hope is these grants will encourage schools to establish and maintain gardens where students can learn science and about healthy eating.

The funding also allows teachers to provide study for students in a number of areas outside the classroom.

Five of the schools are in western Nevada. They are Fernley Elementary, Riverview Elementary in Dayton, Silver State Elementary and Middle School in Silver Springs and Sutro Elementary in Dayton.