Polk County Public Health, through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), is excited to announce a new initiative bringing apple trees to local schools as part of ongoing efforts to promote healthy eating, environmental learning, and long-term wellness in youth settings.
The SHIP program works across Minnesota communities to support healthy choices where people live, learn, work, and play. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations, SHIP helps create environments that make healthy living easier and more accessible for everyone.
As part of this initiative, several local schools received apple trees to plant on school grounds. These trees will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities while also supporting broader goals around nutrition education, sustainability, and school wellness.
Polk County Public Health would like to extend a special thank you to Bergeson Nursery for partnering to provide the apple trees and supporting this effort to bring more hands-on, healthy learning opportunities to local students.
“Projects like this help connect students to where their food comes from while also reinforcing healthy eating habits in a meaningful, interactive way,” said Lily Grossbauer, PCPH Wellness Coordinator. “Over time, these trees will become a living part of each school community.”
In addition to supporting nutrition education, the apple trees are expected to enhance school outdoor spaces and offer future opportunities for student engagement in gardening, science education, and environmental stewardship.
Schools participating in the initiative were selected through collaboration with local public health partners and will receive guidance on planting and long-term care of the trees.
For more information about the SHIP program or this initiative, please contact Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385.
