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Garden Program Seeks Sustainable Support Amid Growth
Lower Columbia School Gardens, having achieved its aim of establishing gardens in every elementary and middle school across Longview and Kelso, now confronts a funding dilemma as grant donors show decreased interest in maintaining existing projects, leading to a shortfall. The Cowlitz County Board of Health has recommended a $150,000 one-year funding proposal to the county commissioners to support the nonprofit's operational costs, amid concerns that government funding could negatively affect the program’s long-term sustainability. The initiative, which does not plan to expand further, relies heavily on community and volunteer involvement to offer valuable educational experiences in gardening and nutrition to students, highlighting the importance of such programs in enhancing student engagement and mental health.