NC Sweetpotato Commission Foundation Awarded $104,181 Education & Outreach Grant

Two-year initiative brings sweetpotato education to North Carolina classrooms & communities

The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Foundation has received a $104,181 grant from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission to launch “Harvesting Knowledge, Growing Consumption,” a two-year initiative bringing sweetpotato education to classrooms and communities across the state.

Running from November 2026 through October 2028, the initiative will highlight the nutritional benefits, culinary versatility and agricultural importance of North Carolina sweetpotatoes. The project includes five regional training sessions for approximately 120 classroom and community educators, new and updated curriculum lessons, and hands-on classroom kits.

The first educator training will take place March 22, 2027, at 9 a.m. at the Wilson County Extension Center. Educators who attend one of the five sessions may apply for mini-grants of up to $1,000 to support sweetpotato-focused classroom activities, including student cooking competitions and other hands-on projects.

“Sweetpotatoes offer a wonderful connection between the classroom, the kitchen and the farm,” said Michelle Grainger, executive director of the NC Sweetpotato Commission. “With support from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, we can give more educators practical tools to bring agriculture to life and help more families discover ways to enjoy North Carolina sweetpotatoes throughout the year.”

The Foundation and the NC Sweetpotato Commission also plan to share recipes, educational activities and resources at community events. A planned partnership with nonprofit Ripe for Revival will help reach additional communities, including families facing barriers to accessing fresh food.

By introducing more North Carolinians to ways to prepare and enjoy sweetpotatoes year-round, the initiative aims to build long-term demand and support the state’s growers, including current and former tobacco farmers who grow sweetpotatoes.

The Foundation acknowledges the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission for its investment in the project and continued support of North Carolina agriculture and rural communities.