Last year, the HMC Designing Futures Foundation (DFF) awarded a $10,000 grant to support the creation of an urban farm at Arroyo High School in partnership with Eco Urban Gardens, a local nonprofit organization that designs, installs, and maintains gardens throughout the Los Angeles County.

HMC Project Manager Cindy Lai felt there needed to be more partnerships between community gardens and local schools in order to promote healthy eating and provide fresh produce to children. Seeking a solution, Cindy joined Eco Urban Gardens and partnered with El Monte Union High School District’s Arroyo High School, which served as the site for the urban farm.

Over the course of 14 months, farmers and educators from Eco Urban Gardens worked together with students to install the garden. On May 20, 2017, the Arroyo Garden Club hosted the farm’s grand opening ceremony.

With this project, HMC continues to leverage impact through volunteerism, providing ongoing opportunities for the Arroyo High School students, their families, community members, and HMC staff to get involved in their communities.