Sep. 5, 2025

Contact:  Aaron Ellerman, Director of Communications, 727-377-0461, ellerman_a@hcsb.k12.fl.us

Generosity Sprouts Through Local Partnership

Brooksville, Fla. – Pine Grove Elementary School was awarded a $10,000 Grant from the Brooksville Sprouts on Sep. 5 to help support the initiatives of the PGES Cub Sprouts Garden Club.

The grant was awarded during the company’s annual “Sprouting Healthy Communities Day” in which Sprouts stores throughout the U.S. donate grants to local nonprofit organizations and schools focused on community health initiatives.

“Over $3.5 Million has been raised nationwide and designated for local outreach programs helping to bring education about sustainable and healthy living to our communities,” said Steve Cantone, Store Director Brooksville Sprouts.

The Cub Sprouts Garden Club was born out of a shared vision between teachers, families, and students to create hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

“This grant is vital because it provides the resources to expand and sustain the Cub Sprouts Garden Club. With these funds, students will gain access to tools, soil, seeds, raised garden beds, and learning materials that promote science, nutrition, and teamwork. The garden will also create a space for hands-on STEM lessons, healthy eating initiatives, and social-emotional growth through collaboration and responsibility,” said Natasha Saavedra, Principal of PGES.

Several members from PGES and the Hernando County School District attended the celebration alongside members of the Sprouts Brooksville team.

“We are so thankful that Sprouts Brooksville has chosen to award us this grant and more importantly invest in a partnership with our school,” said Saavedra.

Members from the Sprouts team, PGES and other local volunteers will come together for a buildout day later this year after the project planning stages are completed and the buildout phase begins.

“The next steps include finalizing the design and layout of the garden, purchasing materials and supplies, and beginning construction with the help of staff, families, and community partners. Once established, students will begin planting seasonal crops, tracking growth, and integrating the garden into classroom instruction across grade levels,” said Saavedra.

Why PGES?

With the growing interest in sustainability, healthy living, and outdoor education, PGES staff began seeking funding partnerships to expand the school’s garden space and programs.

“This grant opportunity was identified as a perfect fit to support Pine Grove’s mission of engaging students in authentic, real-world learning experiences,” said Saavedra.

Cantone stated that during the selection process team members were asked and the consensus was to choose PGES as many of the team members have or have had students attend the school.

“What better way is there than to use the grant helping to teach kids at an early age the healthy way to eat, how to be sustainable and how to grow their own fruits and vegetables so that they can live a long healthy life,” said Cantone.