WEST CHICAGO, IL – The voting process is underway for Burpee Home Gardens® “Grow Anywhere Tour.” Over 500 applications from schools and organizations across America were narrowed down to 72 locations, which now compete in a Facebook® voteoff for a chance to be a destination stop of the Burpee Food Truck. The “Grow Anywhere Tour” hits the road this spring to deliver 30,000 pounds of fresh produce, 13,000 vegetable plants, and take-home gardening advice to communities located in food deserts where access to freshly-grown food is limited.
“Schools nationwide have jumped at the chance to participate in this year’s tour,” says Carolyn Dixon, sales manager for Burpee Home Gardens. “We are amazed by each organization’s eagerness to bring Burpee Home Gardens to their city, and their passion to empower students to grow their own produce as a nutritious solution for a healthy future.”
The 72 schools participating in the Facebook vote-off will compete through Friday, February 15, on the /BurpeeGardens Facebook page. Each school was provided tools and resources to build their own public relations campaign to spread the virtual word for their cause. Their efforts, dedication and networking on behalf of their school – and Burpee Home Gardens – will result in the selection of 23 destinations in cites for the “Grow Anywhere Tour” from coast to coast.
“We received over 100,000 votes in the first 48 hours, and we’ve seen an impressive increase in ‘Likes’ and consumer connections via social media, too. Front-runners are making their mark early in the voting process,” Says Dixon. “A tight competition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is brewing, and a location in Milwaukee is pulling ahead of the pack. It will be an exciting finish.”
The Burpee Home Gardens “Grow Anywhere Tour” aims to raise awareness of the lack of fresh, wholesome foods in many neighborhoods. It will meet communities’ immediate needs, as well as provide an ongoing solution by handing out vegetable plants to start home gardens on balconies, patios, or as part of a neighborhood garden space.
The Burpee Food Truck will hit the road mid-March through the end of May. Besides hundreds of plants for neighborhood residents, each selected destination will receive 50 vegetable plants and seed packets to help create a school or community garden. The Burpee team will also stop at local garden retail locations to help build further awareness.
To vote for a destination on the Burpee Home Gardens “Grow Anywhere Tour” and to follow the truck’s progress on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/BurpeeGardens. Find further details at the Burpee Home Gardens website at www.burpeehomegardens.com.
Burpee Home Gardens® is a program of garden-ready vegetables, herbs and flowers available nationally at retail garden centers. Backed by the 137-year history of Burpee, the first name in home gardening, Burpee Home Gardens provides gardeners with time-tested varieties and information, ideas and inspiration for success. For more information visit burpeehomegardens.com.
Source: Burpee Home Gardens