This post is sponsored by Farm Boy
Farm Boy is excited to announce the expansion of its flagship charitable program, nourish to flourish, which focuses on improving student access to nutritious food and teaching young Ontarians the importance of healthy eating for life. Entering its second year, the program is growing both in scope and in impact, strengthening Farm Boy’s commitment to food, nutrition, and community support.
Launched in partnership with Sustain Ontario and Farm to Cafeteria Canada, the 2025 nourish to flourish program will distribute $161,000 in funding to 46 schools across Ontario—a significant increase from the 2024 program, which awarded $55,000 to 30 schools.
Schools will benefit from a tiered grant system ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to enhance food literacy initiatives and improve in-school meal programs. Specifically, the breakdown includes 16 grants of $1,000, 15 of $3,000, 10 of $5,000, and 5 top-tier grants of $10,000.
“Now more than ever, we need to support our communities and make nutritious food more accessible for the children of our province,” said Shawn Linton, President and General Manager at Farm Boy. “nourish to flourish is about creating healthier communities across Ontario and encouraging students to develop lifelong healthy habits.”
More Than Just Meals
The nourish to flourish program goes beyond financial support. Schools may use the grants to strengthen existing meal programs, build student-led gardening projects, purchase kitchen equipment, or create food-focused curriculum activities that teach kids about nutrition, sustainability, and where their food comes from.
As with the inaugural year, Sustain Ontario and Farm to Cafeteria Canada will manage key aspects of the program, including application support, school selection, and the creation of resources. Their ongoing involvement ensures that participating schools not only receive funding but also gain valuable tools and mentorship to help make their projects successful and sustainable.
“The enthusiasm and engagement that we have seen as a result of the nourish to flourish initiative shows that this opportunity is invaluable,” said Phil Mount, Chair of the Board of Directors of Sustain Ontario. “We are proud of the work we have been able to do with Farm Boy and are thrilled to launch year two of the initiative and provide even more opportunities and support for Ontario school children.”
Community-Driven Growth
To help fund the expanded initiative, Farm Boy will launch an in-store fundraising campaign from May 29 to June 15, 2025. During this time, customers will be invited to make donations at checkout to help further support the program.
Applications for the 2025 grant cycle open on May 5, 2025. Eligible Ontario schools are encouraged to apply early.
A Tradition of Giving Back
Since opening its first store in Cornwall in 1981, Farm Boy has built its brand around fresh, wholesome food and a strong commitment to community. nourish to flourish reflects the company’s belief that good food creates healthier individuals—and stronger communities.
The success of the 2024 program highlighted the critical need for initiatives like this, with schools using funds for healthy meals, garden projects, and field trips to local farms, helping students connect directly to local food systems.
For Farm Boy, this is just the beginning. As the company continues to grow, so too will its investments in programs that promote health, education, and community wellbeing.
For more information, visit farmboy.ca/nourishtoflourish.
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