Inspired Growing July Newsletter

Hi friends,

It's been a while since our last newsletter, and we truly appreciate everyone who has continued to follow and support our work. For those recently joining us — welcome! We’re Inspired Growing, and we bring commercial-grade aeroponic farms and STEM and nutrition curriculum into classrooms and community spaces, giving students the opportunity to grow their own food while learning along the way. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes on some things we’re excited to share in the coming months.

Our team hopes your summer has been a time to relax, stay out of the heat, and maybe even work on a garden of your own. We're easing back into sending these out more regularly, so consider this the comeback of the Inspired Growing newsletter!

In this Issue

Presenting the Inspired Growing Award Recipients!
Our Brand New Website is Live
A Little Inspiration for your Summer

Inspired Growing Awards:
Elliot Street Elementary School

Announcing the Green Machine Teacher & Mad Green Scientist Awards

Around this time of year, we like to take a moment to recognize a teacher who's shown clear dedication to the farm and to her students. This year, it is our honor to award the Green Machine Teacher Award to Ms. Lezama and the Mad Green Scientist award to her student Najee!

Ms. Lezama has turned her classroom farm into more than just a science lesson — it's become a calming, joyful space for her and her students alike. As she put it:

"I feel a little stressed? I come to the garden. The kids feel a little stressed, I bring them to the garden."

Every great teacher needs a great gardener. Ms. Lezama commended all of her students — but one in particular stood out as her go-to helper in the garden. We're proud to name Najee this year's Mad Green Scientist.

Najee has showed great and support for his classroom farm — so much so that Ms. Lezama already has plans for him:

"And guess what? You're going to be my gardener next year also!"

Congratulations and thank you to Ms. Lezama, Najee, and the entire Elliot Street Elementary School for working with us! We can’t wait to see what you do next.

Our New Website is Live!

We also just launched our brand-new website! We gave inspiredgrowing.com a fresh look and feel, with easier navigation, updated info on our farms and curriculum, and an area dedicated to covering Inspired Growing news. We welcome you to check it out and let us know what you think!

Redesigned to be an interactive tool

See how our farms operate and learn something new!

Take a Look!

Summer Inspiration:
Visit a Local Farmer’s Market!

With most of our farms resting for the summer, we’re still thinking about greens! It’s important to maintain healthy habits: go outside, eat healthy, and treat your brain to learning something new. Why not do all three and attend a local farmers market?

Weequahic Park Farmers’ Market

11AM - 2PM Saturday, Biweekly

Elizabeth Avenue Playground
Newark, NJ 07112

Montclair Farmers’ Market

8AM - 1PM, Every Saturday

86 Walnut Street, Montclair, NJ 07042

Riverview Farmers’ Market

10AM - 2PM, Every Sunday

498 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07307

Not seeing what you’re looking for? Try this tool to find markets near you that sell greens locally grown in New Jersey.

Jersey Fresh - Find Greens Near You!

THANK YOU FOR READING

We’re looking ahead with excitement as we grow our network and work with even more organizations that believe in our mission. To support Inspired Growing, we’d love to connect with other people like you. If you know anyone who might be interested in learning more about us, a brief introduction would be extremely helpful. We encourage you to share this newsletter!

As always, reach out to us if you have any questions, and enjoy your summer!

Hi friends,

In this Issue

Presenting the Inspired Growing Award Recipients!

Our Brand New Website is Live

A Little Inspiration for your Summer

Inspired Growing Awards: Elliot Street Elementary School