CORAL GABLES, Fla.— Last year, Turbana sought a new community partnership by implementing a coast-to-coast search, “Win 25k For Your Cause.” The search brought hundreds of applicants nationwide. After thousands of votes from communities across the country, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) New York, an organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities to children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities, emerged as the winner.
Turbana and KEEN New York’s partnership has blossomed into a full gardening program made just for the children with disabilities of New York —and now, the duo is excited to announce they have launched their new initiative, “KEEN on Growing.”
“KEEN on Growing” is a new urban gardening program, which gives KEEN Athletes an opportunity to work collectively, develop responsibility and gain positive attitudes toward healthy eating. The gardening project also shows Athletes the importance of community and environmental consciousness.
“Our partnership is a perfect fit. Both KEEN New York and Turbana strive to empower communities, and the ‘KEEN on Growing’ program will give KEEN Athletes an opportunity to grow as individuals and develop social skills within a group setting,” said Marion Tabard, marketing director of Turbana.
The program is housed at P.S. 206 Jose Celso Barbosa and is open to KEEN organization members and to students with special needs of the school.
KEEN New York and Turbana hosted a kickoff party with some family fun in celebration of the program at P.S. 206 on Sunday, June 7, where the community grew more than plants: They grew smiles! During the event, the Athletes and students painted their own pottery, danced, played games and started their very first vegetable garden.
“KEEN New York's mission has always been to provide programs designed to keep youth with disabilities healthy, while having fun. Our partnership with Turbana provides KEEN New York with an opportunity to create a gardening program right in the heart of NYC. This exciting collaborative project will teach our Athletes the importance of healthy eating and give them the skills necessary to grow an urban garden. KEEN New York is grateful to Turbana for its dedication to our "growing" KEEN New York family,” said Maggie Harrison, executive director of KEEN New York.
The “KEEN on Growing” program is a product of Turbana’s larger movement, “Growing Smiles, Sharing Goodness,” which seeks to inspire individuals to eat smart, be active and get involved in their communities.
For more information on KEEN New York and the “KEEN on Growing” initiative, visit keennewyork.org or email info@keennewyork.org.
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About Turbana
Established in 1970, Turbana Corporation is a leading importer of fresh produce in North America, including bananas, plantains, pineapples and ethnic tropical fruits. Turbana is proud to have been the first organization to bring Fair Trade Certified bananas to North America. A pioneer in sustainability and social consciousness, Turbana has developed the farming communities in the banana and plantain-growing regions over the past 45 years through its social foundation, Fundauniban. Turbana gives a portion of every purchase to Fundauniban, contributing to the $250 Million the foundation has invested in social and economic projects for education, housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection since 1987. Additionally, Turbana invests in its communities across the US, helping them build sustainable and healthy practices. Turbana is owned by Uniban, the world’s largest grower-owned banana company and the world’s largest producer of Fair Trade Certified bananas and plantains, and Fyffes, one of the largest produce importers and distributors in Europe. For additional information, visit www.turbana.com.
Source: Turbana