The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is partnering with pioneering meal-kit company Blue Apron to create a new state-of-the-art garden-based education facility for children, called the Edible Academy, according to a press release.
The three-acre campus, complete with indoor and outdoor smart classrooms, aims to raise awareness of cooking with fresh ingredients and sustainable gardening. Kids will learn how to grow their own plants and learn how to use them in home-cooked meals.
“We are proud to partner with the New York Botanical Garden to help promote healthy lifestyles and well-being in the community,” says Christine Fu, senior director of partnerships at Blue Apron, according to a press release. “We are excited to be working with an organization that has a best in-class model for hands-on, integrative nutrition education programs.”
“We believe visitors of all ages will benefit from learning more about how to use fresh ingredients to create delicious meals at home,” says Fu.
The partnership includes educational signage throughout the academy’s Green Thumb Gardens where kids can learn various gardening tips such as soil care, growing tips, the life cycle of a plant, and fun facts. At the conclusion of their visit, students will receive co-branded recipes and fresh produce to bring home and cook with their families.
“It is with the collaboration of visionary companies such as Blue Apron that we will be able to continue to effect real change for current and future generations in New York City,” says Terry Skoda, executive vice president for external relations at NYBG.
Select current customers of Blue Apron may find special tickets and discounts for the Edible Academy in future meal deliveries.
The scheduled opening day for the NYCB Edible Academy is June 14.
