Aetna Foundation Grant Supports Educational Programs at Community Farm of Simsbury

The Aetna Foundation has awarded $30,000 to Gifts of Love to support its farm-based, nutrition educational programs for Hartford-area elementary school students at the Community Farm of Simsbury. 

Gifts of Love’s educational programs serve second, third and fifth grade students in multiple Hartford, Simsbury and Avon schools.  Farm-based education programs are specifically designed to enhance student learning.

“Gifts of Love’s farm-based educational programs at the Community Farm of Simsbury help students achieve grade level expectations through hands-on activities while also teaching students about health, nutrition and the importance of agriculture,” said Gifts of Love Executive Director Diana Goode.  “The Aetna Foundation’s grant will enable us to achieve our goals of educating 1,700 Hartford-area students at the Community Farm.”

Students in the program will receive classroom instruction, farm-based instruction, and active involvement in the growing of fresh produce at their schools.  Programming will focus on grade-level science as well as math, reading, writing and social studies curricula objectives through the context of farming, gardening and healthy food choices, nutrition and preparation.  Furthermore, the program will support reduced racial, economic and social isolation by engaging students of varying backgrounds in a fun, educational and safe environment.

The mission of the newly merged Gifts of Love and Community Farm of Simsbury is to build the capacity of people to create positive change in their lives, improve food security and lessen the impact of financial crisis for people in need.  This mission is accomplished by producing and distributing food, offering farm-based and life-skill educational programs, and providing critical, sustaining tangible supports to those in need.  For more information, visit www.giftsoflovect.org.

The Aetna Foundation, Inc. is the independent charitable and philanthropic arm of Aetna, Inc. Since 1980, Aetna and the Aetna Foundation have contributed more than $427 million in grants and sponsorships. As a national health foundation, they promote wellness, health and access to high-quality health care for everyone. This work is enhanced by the time and commitment of Aetna employees, who have volunteered four million hours since 2003. For more information, visit www.aetnafoundation.org.