Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants now open with $1 million available

Woolworths will offer at least one thousand grants of up to $1,000 each to schools and early learning centres to use to develop projects that focus on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices or enhancing native habitats as part of the latest round of its popular Junior Landcare Grants initiative. 

 

“Educating young Australians on how we can grow a greener future through hands-on learning is an incredible way to make an impact for future generations, and help our local communities today,” said Woolworths Group Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Hicks.

 

“The life-long skills that these young students will gain helps to plant the seeds for a more sustainable and environmental future.“

 

Last year, the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant program saw the highest number of applicants ever, something Mr Hicks said was a promising sign that sustainability is a hot topic in schools and early learning. 

 

One of the goals of the grant program, Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said is to encourage, influence and educate students on how to care for their local environment in a hands-on way. To date the program has seen more than 110,000 fruit, vegetable and herb plants added to school gardens across the country. 

 

Through taking part, students learn new skills and knowledge such as composting, worm farming and planting bush tucker gardens, as well as an increased awareness of sustainability issues.

 

“Early childhood education and care plays an important role in sustainability,” said Samantha Page, CEO Early Childhood Australia. 

 

“The first five years of life sets the foundation for life-long learning and the earlier we educate children about the importance of sustainability, the better chance we have of a more sustainable future for everyone.” 

 

“Educating young Australians on how we can grow a greener future through hands-on learning is an incredible way to make an impact for future generations, and help our local communities today.”

 

Since its inception, the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants program, which is funded via the sale of Woolworths Bag for Good, has contributed more than $3 million to a total of 2,760 primary schools and early learning centres across Australia. 

 

Applications for the 2022 Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants are open now and close 18 March 2022. To find out more about the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program and to apply, please see here.