In March 2023, following the devastating floods that struck New Zealand, the USANA Foundation saw an opportunity to bring hope and support to families in need.
This marked the beginning of a powerful partnership between USANA and The Salvation Army (TSA), which has blossomed into an initiative that’s transforming communities by addressing food security through innovative solutions like Garden Towers.
The Inspiration Behind the Initiative
Debbie Baird, a driving force behind USANA’s involvement in New Zealand, initiated this partnership.
Reflecting on her motivation, Debbie shared, “I believe that we all have a responsibility to use our strengths and actions to lift others. It’s fulfilling to know that even small actions can have a meaningful impact on someone’s life. Every little bit counts.”
Initially, Debbie reached out to The Salvation Army offering Nutrimeal, a nutritional meal replacement, to support families affected by the floods. While TSA could not accept Nutrimeal, they expressed interest in another innovative solution: USANA Garden Towers. These vertical, soil-free gardens provide a sustainable way for families to grow fresh, nutritious vegetables, even in small spaces.
This simple conversation led to the development of a beautiful collaboration that continues to grow—both figuratively and literally.
How Garden Towers Are Making a Difference
The first location to benefit from the Garden Tower initiative was TSA Whangarei, where the community was in dire need of resources following the floods. With the help of a local garden center, USANA Garden Towers were installed, creating a vital source of nutrition for families struggling to access fresh food.
As Debbie explained, “The Salvation Army in Whangarei desperately needed to help their community, and our Garden Towers created a nutritional vegetable resource.”
Seeing the success of the Whangarei project, the initiative expanded to Auckland, where medium-sized Garden Towers, known as “minis,” were distributed to families in need. TSA not only provided these families with the towers but also offered guidance on planting and maintaining their mini gardens.
This initiative empowered families to take control of their food supply, providing them with the tools and knowledge to grow healthy, sustainable food.
Debbie and her colleague, Brian Stoddard, played a key role in helping TSA understand the process of planting and upkeep. As Debbie humorously puts it, “The discussion from there grew beautifully—excuse the pun.”
The Ripple Effect of Giving
The impact of this initiative has been profound. By giving families the tools to grow their own food, USANA and TSA are doing more than addressing immediate hunger; they’re fostering long-term self-reliance and healthier communities.
Debbie sums up the power of giving beautifully:
“Supporting charities is like glitter—it brightens everyone’s day and leaves the world a little more sparkly. When we help those in need, we’re not just making a difference; we’re joining forces to make the world a kinder, more compassionate place. Plus, who doesn’t love that warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing we’re changing lives together?”
Expanding the Vision: What’s Next
Looking ahead, USANA New Zealand has exciting plans for the future.
In 2024, USANA is partnering with Mite10, a home and garden center, to expand the Garden Tower initiative even further. Through this partnership, Mite10 associates will help plant and distribute even more Garden Towers to TSA locations, aged care centers, and kindergartens.
This is just the beginning. USANA and TSA are committed to an ongoing partnership, with plans to grow their impact and reach even more communities in need.
How You Can Get Involved
Debbie’s inspiring words remind us that even small actions can create meaningful change.
If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, consider getting involved with the USANA Foundation or a local charity. Whether it’s volunteering your time, donating to support initiatives like Garden Towers, or simply spreading the word, every bit helps.
Together, we can continue to grow hope—one Garden Tower at a time.
For more information on how to support the USANA Foundation or to get involved in your community, visit our donation portal or add a donation to your USANA auto order.
