Last August, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) New York, won a $25,000 partnership with Turbana, a leading banana producer, through the campaign “Win 25k For Your Cause.”
Now, after months of planning, the partnership announced the launch of a new initiative, “KEEN on Growing.” Families and children with disabilities in the New York area are encouraged to join the new program.
“KEEN on Growing” is an urban gardening project, which gives the New York community an opportunity to experience nature in a concrete jungle. Children are growing plants and flowers, and are familiarizing themselves with the environment.
It also gives KEEN athletes the ability to work collectively, develop responsibility and gain positive attitudes towards healthy eating, regardless of the child’s age or disability. The project benefits the students with disabilities at P.S. 206 Jose Celso Barbosa in East Harlem, too, where the garden is located. The two-month-long program launched with a kickoff party at the school on Sunday, June 7, and will continue to run every Saturday and Sunday until July 31.
“This partnership…has been an amazing experience. The children are extremely excited,” said Camille Forbes, the principal of P.S. 206 Jose Celso Barbosa. “The garden has really been a unifying piece to add to our school.”
The Horticulture Society of New York supported the project by sending experts to help with the initial set up of the garden.
“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.
“KEEN on Growing” 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.
This program is made available for all in the community. To participate, to get involved or for questions regarding KEEN New York and the “KEEN on Growing” initiative, visit keennewyork.org or email info@keennewyork.org.
For additional information, visit www.turbana.com.
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