Philanthropic Summary:Fruit Tree Donations to Boys & Girls Clubs

Since 2020, Burchell Nursery has been a foundational partner in the Sunshine for All® Cities program, a collaborative initiative designed to eliminate "food deserts" and provide fresh, nutritious produce to underserved communities across the United States. Led by President Tom Burchell, the nursery has provided both agricultural expertise and physical tree donations to establish urban orchards for Boys & Girls Club members and their families.

2020: Jackson, Mississippi (The Inaugural Launch)

In October 2020, Burchell Nursery joined as an original partner for the program’s launch in Jackson, Mississippi. Working alongside Dole® Packaged Foods and Netafim, the nursery focused on establishing a sustainable fruit orchard for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi.

• Contribution: Tom Burchell consulted directly with local horticulture experts to select ideal rootstocks and fruit varieties suited for the Mississippi climate, soil conditions, and drainage.

  
  

• Scale: While the initial phase focused on the site visit and variety selection, the nursery's ongoing commitment supported the long-term establishment of orchards that now serve the local community.

  
  
  
  

  2023: Merced County & Planada, California

The program expanded significantly in 2023 within Merced County, a region close to the nursery’s operations and Dole's Atwater plant. A major launch event was held in Planada on September 13, 2023, to debut the "GOOD STUFF" pilot program.

• Contribution: Burchell Nursery donated trees to establish a new agricultural resource in partnership with the local school district.

  
  

• Number of Trees/Scale: The nursery announced the creation of a 3-acre Sunshine Orchard in partnership with the Planada Elementary School District. During the launch ceremony, Tom Burchell presented a symbolic potted tree to the district superintendent to initiate the project.

Community Impact and Vision

The impact of these donations extends beyond the physical trees, fostering a comprehensive ecosystem of health and education for youth.

• Nutritional Access: The trees provide a sustainable source of fresh fruit for. communities that previously lacked easy access to healthy food options.

  
  

• Educational Opportunities: The orchards serve as "learning gardens" where kids participate in programs and culinary camps. In Merced, children were even encouraged to learn tree grafting to understand the science of agriculture.

  
  

• Workforce Development: The initiative connects to broader efforts like the GOOD STUFF Kiosks, where club members gain career exposure in grocery and hospitality industries by operating the kiosks that distribute the produce.

  
  

• Advocacy: These projects have garnered support from local and national leaders, including the Mayor of Jackson, the Mayor of Merced, and various Congressional representatives, highlighting the importance of agricultural partnerships in public health.

Burchell Nursery continues to view these donations as part of a long-term commitment to "plant good trees on good land, take care of them, and they will take care of you" to ensure they take care of the community for generations to come.

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