Sheldon, Iowa — Sheldon’s Hy-Vee Food Store has been awarded one of 164 One-Step Community Garden Grants given by Hy-Vee, Inc. to community organizations and Hy-Vee stores in Hy-Vee’s eight state trade area.
The $1-thousand grants will be used to purchase seeds, plants, garden tools and food preservation equipment for community gardens. According to a news release from Hy-Vee, Inc, the One Step Garden Grants are given to community gardens that teach those in need about health and nutrition through the process of planting, tending and harvesting their own fruits and vegetables.
Hy-Vee says the One Step program uses a portion of the proceeds from the sale of earth-friendly, everyday producsts, including russet potatoes, shredded wheat cereal, paper towels and bottled water to benefit local and worldwide causes.
Community groups or organizations can apply for the grants each year on Hy-Vee’s website. Hy-Vee, Inc. says the applications are judged based on demonstrated participation of community stake holders; consideration of challenges that come with maintaining a community garden; the integration of the garden into the community; and intended use of the garden’s produce.
In addition to the Sheldon Hy-Vee, grants were awarded to these community organizations and Hy-Vee stores in the KIWA listening area: Spencer Community Gardens in Spencer; and Hy-Vee stores in Cherokee and Le Mars.
