Woolworths says its Junior Landcare Grants program will help fund environmental initiatives in hundreds of schools across Australia.
The supermarket will give 538 schools up to $1,000 each to encourage a new generation of “environmental champions”.
This first round of the funding program will see up to half a million dollars go to primary schools and early-learning centres around the country.
Woolworths says the grants will support projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management and enhancing native habitats.
The money’s in the bag
Woolworths says it’s funding the Junior Landcare Grants program from the proceeds of its ‘Bag for good’.
It launched the bag in June last year after it removed single-use plastic shopping bags from all its stores. Doing so, it claims, has taken more than two billion single-use plastic bags out of circulation.
Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said: “We’re so proud and excited to announce the first successful recipients for the Woolworths Junior Landcare Grants Program.
“It was clear to us from the large number of applicants to the program that Australian youth are actively involved in creating sustainable projects. They’re natural champions at doing their bit to help create a greener future for our country.
“These grants are possible thanks to the support of customers who have purchased the Woolworths ‘Bag for good’. We’re investing half a million dollars directly in this first round from the sale of the bags. That money is going back to our local communities to help inspire the next generation of environmental champions.”
Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish says the program could have a long-lasting influence.
“This fantastic response shows the community’s passion for caring for the environment,” he said. “Junior Landcare offers opportunities for sharing knowledge, developing skills and creating experiences that foster connections with the environment and community from childhood to adulthood.
“These grants will inspire thousands of children to play an active role in ensuring the safe future of their environment.”
