Stuart ninth grader partners with Send Hunger Packing Princeton to earn Garden Champions Award

 "As SHUPP continues to expand its garden program, the Garden Champions Award serves as a vital catalyst, enabling the program to fulfill its commitment to community education, sustainability, and food security.”

Ryka Iyer, a Stuart ninth grader with a passion for food justice, helped Send Hunger Packing Princeton (SHUPP) earn the Garden Champions Award from KidsGardening, a national nonprofit that supports sustainable youth gardening programs.

Through a grant she applied for and won, Ryka is helping SHUPP expand its garden program to include sustainable growing methods such as hydroponics and composting. In her article about the award for Town Topics newspaper, Ryka shared more about how SHUPP will use the funds:

“This year, SHUPP plans to dedicate two of its existing garden beds to this initiative, focusing on developing new strategies for an efficient harvest this spring season. The primary goals of SHUPP's expanded garden program are multifaceted, focusing on both immediate and long-term impacts. At the heart of SHUPP’s mission is the drive to alleviate food insecurity while promoting sustainable practices. By involving children in the process of growing their own food, the program not only supplies fresh, healthy vegetables but also fosters a holistic understanding of environmental impacts. As SHUPP continues to expand its garden program, the Garden Champions Award serves as a vital catalyst, enabling the program to fulfill its commitment to community education, sustainability, and food security.”

Ryka’s journey began with a Sacred Heart service trip to Chicago:

“My interest in food deserts was sparked during my involvement with the Committed to Creation program in Chicago, facilitated by the Network of schools. This opportunity, which Stuart helped me secure, allowed me to witness firsthand the challenges faced by communities—especially children—with limited access to nutritious food. This experience laid the foundation for my passion in exploring the intersection of genetics, epigenetics, and nutrition, particularly in how these fields can address health disparities in food deserts.”

Over the past four years, Ryka has volunteered with food shelters and refugee centers across the country, driven by a desire to address health disparities through science and education. When she faced challenges securing funding on her own, Ryka partnered with SHUPP and received full endorsement for her proposal. She will also serve as SHUPP’s next student intern, leading volunteer recruitment, gardening, and community outreach.

Ryka plans to continue raising awareness about the impact of genetics and epigenetics on children in food deserts at Stuart by contributing to the school newspaper and hosting a podcast:

“These initiatives will allow us to share insights and advocate for sustainable solutions to food insecurity. I hope to further raise awareness and make policy changes to help children facing food insecurities through a school club next year.”

Residents and community members are invited to witness the transformation as SHUPP plants the seeds for a food-secure future during Earth Day week on April 26. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative and learn how you can get involved in fostering the next generation of garden champions by contacting Ross Wishnick at president@shupprinceton.org.