Rootopia is about being grounded and being uplifting. To paraphrase one of my favorite proverbs, “The two greatest gifts you can give a child are roots and wings.” I think about that all the time. Being rooted to a place, and being grounded (emotionally, physically, spiritually) are what gives you the freedom to soar to your truly unlimited potential.
And as a mom, as much as I would love to be able to provide all the emotional, physical and spiritual support my children need to grow both roots and wings, the reality is that no one person can. And that is a good thing. Turns out there is lots of research to support the idea that the more we are connected to family, community and neighbors the healthier and happier we are throughout all stages of life. That goes for corporate partners too.
I am thrilled to announce a new partnership between Northwest Honda Dealers Association and Rootopia.
Honda, you ask? Honda and gardens? Honda and cooking? Guess what? Yes! Honda is a global company, and the local dealerships are operated by your neighbors, community leaders, and friends. They care about the kids and families in your community just as you do.
I first met Richard Lennard, President of the Northwest Honda Dealers Association, about a year ago. I have since met many of the Honda dealership owners in the Northwest. They were thrilled to learn about Farm to School in general and specifically about how many schools have school gardens and are serving local foods on the lunch line. They want to bring more visibility to all this great work.
In March 2015 with Tier10 and KATU-Channel 2 (Portland, Oregon’s local ABC affiliate), we started a Northwest Honda Dealers Farm to School Initiative with the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation. By Fall of 2015, we expanded the scope of the initiative regionally with the National Farm to School Network, where I serve as a member of the Board of Advisors.
These initiatives were so successful, we grew the Rootopia campaign in January 2016 to fill the gap between what kids are doing in school gardens and eating at school with what is happening in the home. And the concept of “Farm to Family” was born.
Thank you, Honda, for fueling the future and helping to grow great minds!
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