Aquidneck Community Table Kids Garden Program Nurturing Healthy Habits Among Youth

NEWPORT, RI – September 16, 2024 – BankNewport is proud of its history of support for the Aquidneck Community Table (ACT), including their latest $2,500 sponsorship for the 2024 Kids Garden Program, which engages children in learning about healthy dietary habits and environmental stewardship through hands-on gardening activities.

In partnership with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLK Center), the Kids Garden Program offers an eight-week summer experience as part of the MLK Center Summer Adventure Camp. The program introduces students to fresh, nutritious foods and teaches them the value of healthy eating habits, environmental awareness, and community service. The initiative, which takes place at ACT’s Great Friends Community Garden in Newport, has been instrumental in fostering a love for nature and fresh produce among children who may not typically have access to such opportunities.

“We are deeply grateful for BankNewport’s continued support,” said Mary-Kate Kane, Program & Administrative Manager, Aquidneck Community Table. “Their generous sponsorship allows us to offer this enriching experience to children who might otherwise never have the opportunity to connect with nature in such a meaningful way.”

The Kids Garden Program’s curriculum is designed to engage students in grades 1 through 5 through activities such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. The children learn about the role of pollinators, the importance of a healthy diet, and the impact of gardens on environmental sustainability. At the end of the program, the produce grown by the children is donated to the Feed-A-Friend Food Pantry at the MLK Center, providing fresh, healthy food to some of Newport County’s most vulnerable residents.

Photo Captions:

Group Photo:
Hollie Johnson (far left), a counselor from the MLK Center, with 3rd and 4th graders, and Alex Seemar (far right) from Aquidneck Community Table, join Mary-Kate Kane (second from left) of Aquidneck Community Table and Daniel Tougas of BankNewport (center) for a fun and educational day in the Great Friends Community Garden in Newport, RI. The program teaches children about healthy eating habits and environmental stewardship through hands-on gardening activities.

Candid Photo:

Vice President, Newport Branch Manager Daniel Tougas of BankNewport engages with children in the Aquidneck Community Table’s Kids Garden Program, where participants learn about gardening, nutrition, and community service.

About Aquidneck Community Table:

Aquidneck Community Table is dedicated to building a flourishing local food system that is healthy, accessible, and sustainable for all residents of Aquidneck Island. Through programs like the Kids Garden Program, ACT promotes food security and encourages a deeper understanding of the relationship between food, health, and community.