The mission of MEarth is to educate and inspire through environmental stewardship.
MEarth connects youth and families to nature, food, and community as they learn to grow a greener, kinder, healthier world.
NATURE CONNECT - Youth and families immerse themselves in hands-on, nature-based science as they learn about sustainability and ecological stewardship—not from a textbook, but from the natural landscape of the Hilton Bialek Habitat.
FOOD CONNECT - MEarth ensures inclusive access to garden-based nutrition, weeklong camps, and other programs with partner organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs, Community Partnership for Youth, Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands, and The Village Project.
COMMUNITY CONNECT - In Big Sur, MEarth distributes FREE fresh, organic produce to families—primarily Medi-Cal recipients. Through our mobile farmstand and community workshops held in our LEED-Certified teaching kitchen, we bring connection, wellness and sustainability to the broader community.
We invite you to “Root for MEarth.” With your support, we’ll expand access to our garden-based programs and free organic produce distribution.
MEarth anticipates reaching over 9,100 individuals throughout the county via a combination of school-day programming, Expanded Learning opportunities (after-school and summer), and engaging weekly, monthly, and annual events. Approximately 56% of participants attend on-site at the Hilton Bialek Habitat, while 44% are served through off-site outreach programs.
A significant portion of our programming is designed to increase access for underserved communities, including:
+Students from Title I schools
+Students enrolled in alternative or continuation schools
+Young children receiving CalFresh and/or Medi-Cal benefits
+Families and communities facing food insecurity.
We also achieve an expanded reach through long-standing partnerships:
+Girls Health in Girls Hands
+Community Partnership for Youth
+The Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County
+The Village Project
Additionally, MEarth provides organic produce to over 200 Big Sur families every week. The vast majority of recipient households are Medi-Cal eligible and include adults working long hours in the hospitality industry.
I just want to say how much I appreciate our partnership with MEarth over the years. First and foremost, many of our kids wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience something like this otherwise. Everything—from the beautiful campus to the hands-on activities they get to participate in—has been incredible. They’ve had the chance to plant seeds, harvest food, and cook meals they might not otherwise be exposed to. It’s been a truly special experience connecting our kids to food, to nature, and to amazing instructors in a way that brings so much love and support into their lives. We’re from Seaside, and you might not expect many of our kids to make it out here to the Valley. This partnership has made that possible—and it’s been amazing. I hope it continues strong for many years to come. We’re incredibly grateful. ~Program Director, Community Partnership for Youth
- Ben Bruce, Seaside
