The Idaho Department of Education began the year by announcing a $20,000 initiative to fund hands-on gardening programs in schools across the state. The funds were made available to public and private schools, as well as childcare organizations, and are intended to promote nutrition education and offer opportunities for children to learn about food and be inspired to eat healthfully. Successful entrants to the program will receive up to $2,000, while all schools have access to the department’s robust gardening resource and curriculum website. (Education Drive)