Cedarhurst Elementary is one of five elementary schools in the greater Puget Sound area to win a free greenhouse, $1,500 in grants, and other benefits from an alliance supporting education, nutrition, and Washington agriculture.

A partnership of the International Greenhouse Company (IGC), the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC), and Seattle television station KING 5 was joined this year by PCC Natural Markets to conduct the Kids Are Growing competition.

“This promotion is a really great way to give kids the opportunity to experience, first hand, the miracle of growing,” said David George, president and owner of IGC. “It really helps them understand where their food comes from and what it takes to produce it. In addition, this promotion also matches our company's passion for horticultural education, as we have provided customized greenhouse solutions for secondary school programs across the United States for the past 16 years," he added.

This year’s winning schools were Graham Hill Elementary School, Seattle; Concordia Lutheran School, Tacoma; Cedarhurst Elementary School, Burien; Rainier Elementary School, Rainier; and Explorer Community School, Redmond.

“The competition is part of our efforts to educate the public on potatoes—their nutrition, value to the state, and what it takes to grow them,” said Karen Bonaudi, Potato Commission assistant executive director. “This is the fourth year we have collaborated with International Greenhouse and KING 5 on this program.” Schools each receive a $1,000 grant and students receive educational materials from the WSPC. Additionally, Marlys Bedlington of Pure Potato in Lynden, Washington, will supply potato seed pieces.

“PCC is so proud to participate in a contest that strives to improve childhood nutrition and education in our schools, a cause that is right in line with the mission of our Kid Picks program,” says Tom Monahan, marketing manager with PCC Natural Markets. “We hope that the $500 we provide to each winning school, along with the Kid Picks taste testing event, will aid in each school’s continuing educational efforts.”

The competition was announced in press releases and in ads on KING 5 and on its Evening Magazine program. The competition focuses on the urban and suburban area of Puget Sound where students aren’t as likely to be exposed to agriculture and may not have backyard gardens, according to Bonaudi.

The grants and other prizes are being awarded and celebrated at school assemblies. Grant funds can be applied to supplies, personnel, or upgrading the greenhouse to a larger model.