PHOENIX — Sprouts Farmers Market will open its first New York location on January 30, 2026, in Centereach, and the Middle Country Library Foundation has received a $325,000 gift from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. The funding will support a three‑year partnership to expand the library’s hands‑on nutrition education, gardening initiatives, and wellness programming.
“The cornerstone of this partnership will be helping people learn real world skills to make healthier choices in their everyday lives,” said Sophia Serlis-McPhillips, director of the Middle Country Public Library. “Sprouts’ investment is transformational and will allow us to scale our gardening and nutrition education programs in a way we’ve never been able to do until now.”
At the heart of the partnership is a new 600-square-foot educational greenhouse that will serve as a hub for hands-on programs, where community members of all ages will be able to engage in workshops and lessons that bridge gardening, nutrition and environmental education. A mix of indoor and outdoor garden beds will allow for year-round programs, including seed starting, the basics of setting up an edible garden at home, and composting in small spaces. Using seasonal vegetables harvested on site, plus fresh ingredients from the new Sprouts Farmers Market store, cooking classes will help kids and adults build real skills to shape their meals at home.
“Positive experiences like growing, tasting and preparing fresh nutritious food help spark a desire to make healthier food choices for people at any age,” said Lyndsey Waugh, executive director of the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. “These moments not only build skills, but they also build community, and we’re thrilled to play our part.”
Together, the Middle Country Public Library and the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation will support seasonal events and year-round educational opportunities, including:
• Let’s Eat: Farm to Table Exhibit: A hands-on exhibit where young children can harvest, shop, and cook in a play-learning environment. Join us for the opening celebration on Saturday, February 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Annual Spring Jubilee and Fall Festival Events: Community gatherings and special events that highlight seasonal hands-on activities.
• Workshops and Nutrition Programs: Co-hosted with Sprouts to deliver hands-on gardening, nutrition education, and healthy cooking workshops for kids and families.
• Green Teens Volunteer Activities: Projects such as planting trees, maintaining the library’s butterfly garden, and supporting the greenhouse events will provide youth with opportunities to get involved.
“Being a part of our community is core to Sprouts values and one of the ways we bring our purpose of helping people live and eat better to life,” said Nick Farley, store manager of the Centereach Sprouts. “Our entire store team is looking forward to getting involved and building meaningful connections through this partnership.”
The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation partners closely with community-based organizations to advance nutrition education, health and wellness programs in the states where Sprouts operates. This year, an estimated six million youth and two million adults will participate in programs supported by the Foundation.
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