Tops Markets, Ajinomoto Foods and Captain Planet Foundation bring Project Learning Garden® to Upstate New York, Northern Vermont, and Northern Pennsylvania!
Contest Opens: August 30, 2026
Deadline to Apply: October 16, 2026
Captain Planet Foundation’s (CPF) Project Learning Garden Program® is replete with opportunities to support inquiry-based, immersive learning experiences in STEAM education for students of all levels and ages. In conjunction with applied principles of project-based learning, gardens provide teachers and students with outdoor laboratories full of natural phenomena to be observed, explored, questioned, and investigated. Gardens provide meaningful anchors where standard learning objectives merge with real-world experiences, making many of the concepts we teach relevant and relatable to students’ lives.
And let’s not forget the yummy stuff! School gardens provide an excellent opportunity to develop young palates for a variety of fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables. CPF’s mobile cooking cart, complete with a Vitamix blender and induction burner, gives school teachers everything they need to do a harvest and tasting event in the garden or classroom year-round.
Tops Markets, Ajinomoto Foods PLG schools will receive:
- Five raised garden beds
- Fully-equipped Mobile Cooking Cart to prepare garden-fresh recipes
- Access to CPF’s online garden-based lessons, spanning all content areas and grade levels
- Materials and supplies to support project-based lessons and garden-based learning activities
- Online professional development and training for teachers
- Strategy for summer garden maintenance
Package valued at $7,500
To be eligible, an Entrant must be nominating an accredited elementary school located in the following Territories: Upstate New York, Vermont, or Northern Pennsylvania AND school must be within 10 miles of a Tops Markets store.
About Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc.
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. creates culturally inspired frozen foods designed for well-being—bringing joy, connection, and peace of mind to the everyday moments that matter most. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life through food, making every day eating a happy experience.
Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc., is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Ajinomoto Co., Inc., a global leader in amino acid research and innovation. Guided by the belief that food has the power to enhance well-being, the company combines culinary craftsmanship with science-backed insights to create flavorful, satisfying foods that support balanced lifestyles. The company is also recognized as a Great Place to Work® and an Inspiring Workplace, reflecting its commitment to building a culture where employees can thrive.
The company operates across both retail and foodservice channels. Our consumer brands include Ajinomoto®, José Olé®, Ling Ling®, and Tai Pei®. Products are available at major retailers across the United States. For more information, visit www.ajinomotofoods.com.
About Tops Friendly Markets
Headquartered in Williamsville, NY, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including one franchise location. As one of Western New York’s largest employers, and with over 14,000 associates across its entire footprint, Tops is committed to delivering sustainably sourced, premium-quality products. Beyond retail, Tops is committed to the communities it serves through initiatives focused on hunger relief, health improvement, youth education, and environmental sustainability. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.