Murray Head Start students are busy with their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) kits they received this fall, as part of the Gro More Good Gardens grant.
Last spring, Murray Head Start was one of 18 nationwide programs, and the only Kentucky program chosen, as a recipient of the “Gro More Good Gardens” Grant in partnership with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and the Scotts Miracle Gro Foundation. These grant funds are being utilized to launch a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) gardening projects for every enrolled Early Head Start and Preschool/Head Start child.
Whitney Pile, Murray Head Start Health Services Coordinator, said Murray Head Start is very excited to be selected as a 2021 recipient. “What an honor,” she said. “With additional funding, we can truly enhance the resources included in this fall’s STEAM container garden to enrolled Early Head Start and Preschool/Head Start children and families.”
The STEAM kits include herb container garden kits, related parent/child activities, and some ingredients that can be used for a meal that will include herbs (from their container gardens). In addition, a website was introduced to families in these kits, which includes informational videos about germination, local Farmers Markets, nutrition and gardening resources available at the public Library, and a cooking lesson. Murray Head Start’s management staff is also included on the website, delivering content in the component areas of Education/School Readiness, Nutrition, and Family Engagement.
Murray Head Start sends appreciation to the following community partners, who have agreed to come alongside them to assist with the implementation of this project: Calloway County Future Farmers of America, Calloway County Public Library, Calloway County Cooperative Extension Office, UK HealthCare and the University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program.