Letter to the Editor

On behalf of the Sprouts — Get Out and Grow Garden and Cooking Program at Hy-Vee, I would like to personally thank the numerous partners, volunteers and families that took part in the Sprouts — Get Out and Grow Planting Party at Austin Hy-Vee on Thursday, May 3.

During this event, hundreds of vegetable plants and seeds were planted in the garden during the open house by many families who came out to participate. Not only will this make for a successful garden this season, it also provided many learning opportunities for all who attended. I would like to recognize the following volunteers and partners that helped make our event a success: KAAL — TV and the ABC 6 News Morning Show crew, Austin Daily Herald, Austin Post Bulletin, Mower Refreshed, The Hormel Institute, Austin Public Schools, YMCA, Mower County Dairy Association, Midwest Dairy Association, Kemps and Hy-Vee. Thank you to all the families who took the time to join in and help make our garden grow this season. Thank you to Tim Ruzek at The Hormel Institute for the interactive display teaching families about cancer-fighting foods, providing a great introductory lesson for all kids and families, as we look forward to further educational opportunities. Thank you to the Mower County Dairy Princesses and Tracy Smith for creating a fun milk-moustache station and the donation of a healthy treat. Thank you to Sandy Anderson and Mower Refreshed for volunteer assistance in planting the garden as well as much appreciated ongoing support Thank you to Karen Diaz who helped capture the event with stunning photography. Last but not least, thank you to the many Hy-Vee staff who make this garden possible. Without the dedication of all partners, volunteers and families in our community, our garden would not grow! Thank you.

Jen Haugen

Registered Dietitian, Austin Hy-Vee