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As the back-to-school season begins, The Vita Coco Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:COCO) is making headlines with its latest initiative to support local communities. In collaboration with international recording artist, actress, and activist Becky G, Vita Coco has opened a vibrant new greenspace at her childhood school, Oak Street Elementary in Inglewood, California. This initiative is part of the company’s social impact program, the Vita Coco Project® (VCP), which aims to empower communities through sustainable development.
During a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony, Becky G returned to her hometown to celebrate the new greenspace, which will be officially named through community input. “Growing up, my Inglewood community shaped who I am today,” Becky G stated. “Partnering with Vita Coco to reimagine a space where students can learn and play means everything to me. We wanted each element to be intentional, reflecting my own experience in middle school and addressing the needs and dreams of the community.”
The newly created 2,100-square-foot greenspace was designed in close collaboration with the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and local leaders. Created by Terremoto, the space includes garden plots, compost bins, a farm stand, fruit trees, a water feature, reading nooks, and an adaptable outdoor classroom. Becky G emphasized that the greenspace aims to promote food education, encourage healthy eating, and foster active lifestyles among students.
The initiative addresses a pressing issue: many communities, particularly in under-resourced areas, lack access to greenspaces. Currently, one hundred million Americans, including 28 million children, do not have local access to parks or natural areas. In Latin communities, only one in three individuals lives within a mile of a park. The opening of the greenspace at Oak Street Elementary is a step toward addressing these disparities.
Vita Coco's efforts extend beyond this single project. The company plans to launch the Growing Roots Grant program in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation. This program will fund innovative projects that promote tree and garden-related learning experiences within underserved schools and communities, furthering Vita Coco's commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
As students return to school, the new greenspace at Oak Street Elementary stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reflecting the power of community engagement and the importance of access to natural environments for all children.
