Amway Global announced today that it will partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help build seven community gardens across the United States. The Amway Global Positive Sprouts project mobilizes volunteers and incorporates the gardening expertise of the Green Education Foundation (GEF) to teach kids how to start and maintain their own edible gardens. An accompanying curriculum will educate youngsters about nutrition, organic gardening practices, and cooking from the garden. "Connecting with the community to improve the lives of today's youth is what this program is all about," said Steve Lieberman, Managing Director of Amway Global. "By creating fun, yet educational activities, our goal is to leverage our expertise as a health and wellness company to teach kids about the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diet."
This is the first initiative of a three-year commitment to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This project aligns with Amway Global's efforts to help raise public awareness about the benefits of living a healthier lifestyle. Amway Global is the #1 online health and beauty retailer in America, and its NUTRILITE® brand is the world's leading seller of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, based on 2009 sales.
While this is the first national relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Amway Global has partnered with several local Boys & Girls Clubs of America dating back to 1948. The partnership is only one of the ways the AMWAY ONE BY ONE CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN® program helps disadvantaged children through hands-on engagement and financial support. Since 2003, the AMWAY ONE BY ONE CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN has donated more than $112 million to children's causes, touching the lives of 7 million children.
"We are excited to expand our relationship with Amway Global, especially in an area that is so desperately needed to ensure the success of our young people," said Judith J. Pickens, senior vice president for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Program & Youth Development Services. "Through the Amway Global Positive Sprouts project we will be able to educate Club members on the importance and value of consuming fruit and vegetables, and help to combat hunger by increasing access to fruits and vegetables to Club members and their families that are harvested from community gardens."
