Feb 2, 2024

Opal apple charity supports young people

FirstFruits’ Opal apple charity to support young people.

In conjunction with Opal Apple, FirstFruits Farms’ Opal Apple Youth Make A Difference Grant Program is an initiative designed to empower young changemakers to transform their dreams into impactful projects that contribute to positive change in their communities, according to a news release.

Since its inception in 2010, the program has awarded more than $770,000 to more than 60 nonprofit organizations. The program anticipates discovering and supporting outstanding contributions to agricultural philanthropy through this year’s submissions.

FirstFruits ships conventional and organic apples.

Selected organizations are required to address one or more of the following issues: food security, nutrition, agriculture, food politics and education. To be eligible, organizations must have youth aged 6-25 in leadership roles, be nonprofit entities operating within the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status or affiliation with school entities in good standing.

“The Opal® Apple Youth Make A Difference grant program is a testament to our commitment to supporting the passion and innovation of young leaders,” Emily Autrey, FirstFruits’ marketing manager, said in the release. “We believe in the power of youth to drive positive change, and this program provides them with the resources to turn their ideas into reality.”

FirstFruits Farms is eager to witness the impactful projects that the organizations will embark on in the coming year, according to the release. As an integral part of the agricultural philanthropy landscape, FirstFruits Farms looks forward to supporting and celebrating the efforts of these changemakers who are dedicated to addressing critical issues in their communities, according to the release.

Applications for the Opal® Apple Youth Make A Difference Grant Program are open through Feb. 9. Interested organizations can learn more and apply at opalapples.com/youth-make-a-difference/.

Since its first trees were planted in 1980, FirstFruits grows and ships a wide variety of organic and conventional apples, cherries and pears in eastern Washington. It grows more than 10 apple varieties on 10,000 acres. FirstFruits touts itself as unique in the industry because its fruit is grown, stored and packed at the same location, which provides it more control over fruit quality and safety, according to the release.