To encourage the growth of these health-focused youth gardens, National Gardening Association recognizes outstanding programs through the Healthy Sprouts Awards, sponsored by Gardener’s Supply Company. These awards support school and youth garden programs that teach about nutrition and the issue of hunger in the United States.
To be eligible for the award, a school or organization must plan to garden in 2010 with at least fifteen children between the age 3 and 18. Winners are selected based on the demonstrated relationship between the garden program and nutrition and hunger issues in the United States.