By the Numbers
To good causes
$600M+
This Year’s Big Wins
Amplifying our grantee partners’ impact
74% of children with special healthcare needs felt more comfortable making friends after attending a SeriousFun camp
Photo courtesy of L'Envol, part of SeriousFun Children's Network
74% of children with special healthcare needs felt more comfortable making friends after attending a SeriousFun camp
Children with special healthcare needs are 2-3x more likely to experience social isolation, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. That’s where SeriousFun Children’s Network camps come in—providing a safe and engaging camp experience. At SeriousFun camps, kids connect with peers who share similar diagnoses and leave knowing they are not alone.
The results:
- 70% of campers strongly agreed that they “felt like they belonged” and that they were “valued at Camp.”
- 74% of campers reported that their ability to make friends increased after attending camp.
Data from research at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the SeriousFun camp in Connecticut.
“It was really cool to see other kids that were going through the same stuff that I was going through, or they live the same way that I live.”
–Jackson, camper
Photo courtesy of L'Envol, part of SeriousFun Children's Network
Youth-led Indigenous Tomorrows Fund awards $720K to 24 organizations advancing food justice, health, and cultural connection
Photo by Eric D Photography.
Youth-led Indigenous Tomorrows Fund awards $720K to 24 organizations advancing food justice, health, and cultural connection
The Indigenous Tomorrows Fund is a first-of-its-kind participatory grantmaking initiative that places decision-making power in the hands of youth leaders. This innovative collaboration between Native Americans in Philanthropy, Newman’s Own Foundation, and Novo Nordisk honors Indigenous wisdom and strengthens community self-determination through youth leadership.
The results:
- In the 2025 pilot year, a total of 21 youth engaged in the grantmaking process, including providing feedback on the development of the fund and reviewing applications
- Out of 427 applications, 24 organizations received $30K grants each to support food justice, advance community health and wellness, and strengthen connections between food, culture, and healing across generations. Among these projects:
- Shinnecock Kelp Farmers in Southampton, NY, are expanding youth-led kelp cultivation and marine restoration programming that empowers Indigenous youth to restore polluted coastal waters and rebuild climate-resilient traditional food ecosystems.
- Cheyenne River Youth Project in Eagle Butte, SD, is expanding youth-driven food sovereignty and Indigenous cooking programs that equip Lakota youth to grow, harvest, and prepare traditional foods that strengthen community health and cultural identity.
Photo by Eric D Photography.
2.7 million children in New York now have access to free school breakfast and lunch, championed by Community Food Advocates-led coalition
The New York Healthy School Meals for All Coalition, co-led by Community Food Advocates, was made up of 350+ organizations, including several other Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partners: Chef Ann Foundation, FoodCorps, and Wellness in the Schools. Photo courtesy of Community Food Advocates.
2.7 million children in New York now have access to free school breakfast and lunch, championed by Community Food Advocates-led coalition
Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partner Community Food Advocates co-led a coalition of 350+ organizations to ensure all students across New York State have access to free school meals they need to learn and grow.
The results:
- In May 2025, New York became the 9th state to implement Healthy School Meals for All.
- 2.7 million students in New York now have free access to healthy breakfast and lunch.
- Universal School Meals programs have been shown to save families an estimated $165 per child in grocery spending each month, support learning, boost test scores, and improve attendance and classroom behavior.
“No longer will stigma stop students from getting the food they need. No longer will parents worry about school meal debt as the cost of living continues to rise. As the ninth state to implement universal school meals, New York is not only investing in its children, it is investing in its future by ensuring students get the nutritious food they need to thrive.”
–Liz Accles, Community Food Advocates’ Executive Director
The New York Healthy School Meals for All Coalition, co-led by Community Food Advocates, was made up of 350+ organizations, including several other Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partners: Chef Ann Foundation, FoodCorps, and Wellness in the Schools. Photo courtesy of Community Food Advocates.
87% of youth that participated in Grow Dat Youth Farm’s Programs reported ability to grow their own food
Grow Dat Youth Farm. Photo by Alexandra Kennon for Country Roads Magazine
87% of youth that participated in Grow Dat Youth Farm’s Programs reported ability to grow their own food
The mission of Grow Dat Youth Farm is to nurture a diverse group of young leaders through the meaningful work of growing food in New Orleans.
The results:
In 2025, 43 youth under 18 participated in Grow Dat’s immersive food leadership development and gardening education programs. After participating in Grow Dat programs in 2025:
- 87% of youth stated they have the skills needed to grow their own food in the future after participating in Grow Dat programs.
- 71% of youth understood the impact of their eating choices on the environment.
- Youth grew 51,500 pounds of food for the New Orleans community.
“The [Grow Dat] program showed me that all isn’t lost. I can make a difference. I can fight to save the planet. We all have a voice.”
–Grow Dat Youth Participant
Grow Dat Youth Farm. Photo by Alexandra Kennon for Country Roads Magazine
Molly of Denali receives first Emmy, breaking new ground for Indigenous creators
Image courtesy of Molly of Denali.
Molly of Denali receives first Emmy, breaking new ground for Indigenous creators
PBS KIDS’ Molly of Denali is an animated series that follows 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl, and is the first nationally distributed children’s series to feature Indigenous lead characters.
The results:
- Molly of Denali made history by winning the 2025 Children’s & Family Emmy® Award for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series—the first Emmy win for any Indigenous person.
- They have been nominated for two 2026 Emmys: Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series (“Thanks-for-Giving” episode) and Outstanding Preschool Animated Series.
“I hope that when children of all ages see the show, they’ll feel represented. This Emmy reflects the beauty of Indigenous people, our amazing cultures and our ways of life.”
–Rochelle Adams, Molly of Denali Alaska Native Cultural Advisor and Writer
Image courtesy of Molly of Denali.
Nine companies join the 100% for Purpose™ movement
Nine companies join the 100% for Purpose™ movement
In celebration of what would have been Paul Newman’s 100th birthday, Newman’s Own Foundation and Humanitix launched a movement to support and inspire the next generation of organizations dedicating 100% of their profits for purpose. Our 9 champions existence and success prove this model works across industries and borders.
The movement aims to build awareness, foster community and create resources that will aid business owners and entrepreneurs on their journey to becoming 100% for Purpose.
Our Approach
How We Give it All Away
Investing in innovation
Youth filmmakers
100+youth created original films exploring themes from food waste and hunger to cultural pride and community solutions.
Winners selected
10filmmakers chosen by a jury of leaders from across food, media, and the arts.
Awards & recognition
$1,000Each winning filmmaker received $1,000 and an invitation to celebrate in Los Angeles, CA.
In it for the long haul
Continued funding
50+nonprofits, schools, and Tribes received continued support from Newman’s Own Foundation across our priority program areas.
Allocation of 2025 funding
>75%invested in current grantee partners across priority program areas.
Participatory grantmaking
Employee-driven grants
$100Kdirected by Newman’s Own staff to 10 nonprofits helping kids facing adversity.
Shared decision-making
20+youth engaged in the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund grantmaking process.
leaders from film, media, and food systems served as Nourishing Narratives competition judges.
Multiplying our impact
returning grantee partners surveyed reported that they had leveraged Newman’s Own Foundation funding and resources to scale their work.
leveraged through co-funded collaborations and grantee partners unlocking additional funds.
Advancing health equity through Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation
Advancing health equity through Hunger to Health Collaboratory Prizes for Innovation
Newman’s Own Foundation aligned efforts with Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) to award $300K in Prizes for Innovation to six organizations creating systemic change in food and nutrition programs for youth.
The results:
- 6 organizations awarded between $25K and $100K to continue their work advancing food policy, nutrition education, and Indigenous food justice.
- Among other recipients, Dream of Wild Health works to restore health and well-being in the Native community by recovering knowledge of and access to healthy Indigenous foods, medicines, and lifeways. Through programs like Garden Warriors (for ages 13–18), youth from more than 30 Tribes across Minnesota gain real-world experience growing and cooking traditional foods, learning Native language and cultural practices, and developing leadership skills.
Elevate Prize selects Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partner Sean Sherman
Sean Sherman is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and the Founder and Executive Director of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems.
Elevate Prize selects Newman’s Own Foundation grantee partner Sean Sherman
- Newman’s Own Foundation proudly nominated NĀTIFS Founder, Sean Sherman, who was awarded the 2025 Elevate Prize. Sean received $300K in total funding over two years; $250K to expand NĀTIFS’ Food Labs and other areas of work, and a $50K personal award.
- North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NĀTIFS) strengthens Indigenous food sovereignty through traditional food practices and producer support and has been a grantee parter of Newman’s Own Foundation since 2021.
Sean Sherman is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and the Founder and Executive Director of North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems.
Growing Garden Grants in collaboration with Whole Foods Market Foundation
Photo courtesy of William H. Hunter
Growing Garden Grants in collaboration with Whole Foods Market Foundation
Newman’s Own Foundation teamed up with Whole Foods Market Foundation’s Garden Grants program, alongside other donors to award $3.4M to support school gardens across the US and Canada.
The results:
- 950 school gardens funded benefiting 500,000+ students.
- Newman’s Own Foundation provided additional funding to 100 schools in nearly all 50 states, including 19 schools serving Native students.
- School gardens support curriculum including science, nutrition, math, and art while promoting healthier eating habits.
“By connecting students to their cultural traditions of land and stewardship, the garden cultivates resilience and emotional wellbeing, helping students thrive in the face of challenges.”
–Maggie, School Counselor, Wyoming Indian Middle School (Ethete, Wyoming)
Photo courtesy of William H. Hunter
Young gardener at Grow Dat Youth Farm watches as their starter plant emerges. Photo by Claire Bangser.
Our Priorities
Photo courtesy of Grow Dat Youth Farm.
U.S. children in food insecure households
1 in 5Diet of American children
>2/3is comprised of ultra processed food
U.S. children falling short on key food groups
50%fall short on recommended intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Our investment
Amount given in 2025
$3.6M+to 29 grantee partners
Grantee Partner Highlights
Center for Ecoliteracy
Reimagining school food as a pathway for learning and change
Photo courtesy of Center for Ecoliteracy.
Center for Ecoliteracy
The Center for Ecoliteracy’s core initiative, California Food for California Kids®, inspires schools to serve fresh, locally-sourced meals and engage students in the connections between food, culture, health, and the environment.
The results:
- The California Food for California Kids Network grew to 160+ school districts serving over 40% of the state’s 5.8 million public school students.
- $1.93B secured to provide free breakfast and lunch at school through California’s School Meals for All program.
- $24.9M secured in California’s 2025–2026 state budget for farm-to-school programs, the largest state investment in the country connecting local farmers with schools.
“Before the pandemic, it wasn’t the norm to eat school meals. Now, it’s expected for everyone to go to the cafeteria to eat… More people are getting school lunches—the lines were never this packed last year! The taste and the quality have drastically improved.”
—High school student, Mt. Diablo Unified School District
Photo courtesy of Center for Ecoliteracy.
Wellness in the Schools
Building a national movement for scratch-cooked school meals
Wellness in the Schools
Wellness in the Schools (WITS) is a national nonprofit that teaches public school students healthy habits to learn, live, and thrive. WITS partners with public schools, chefs, and coaches to expand access to nourishing food and active play.
Wellness in the Schools teaches children healthy habits to learn, live, and thrive. For over 20 years, they have partnered with public schools, chefs, and coaches to expand access to nourishing food and active play through three core programs: Cook for Kids, Coach for Kids, and Green for Kids. Wellness in the Schools programs now reach more than one million students across six states and the District of Columbia.
The results:
- 82% of participants tried a new fruit or vegetable during Cook for Kids programming; 86% said they would try it again.
- Program participants eat 40% more fruits and vegetables compared to non-participants.
- Schools participating in Wellness in the Schools programming offer and serve 76% more whole foods entrees at lunch compared to non-participating schools.
“Some type of miracle happened at PS41 yesterday. My son (who spent 5 years from ages 1-6 in feeding therapy) went directly from pickup to the market where he chose the ingredients and then went straight home to make potato salad where he then gobbled it up for dinner. This is a miracle for so many reasons… THANK YOU.”
—Parent of a 3rd grader at PS41
FRESHFARM
Building food literacy through embedded hands-on learning
Photo courtesy of FRESHFARM.
FRESHFARM
FRESHFARM’s FoodPrints program integrates gardening and cooking into the school curriculum at 21 public elementary schools across Washington, DC—providing joyful experiences growing, cooking, and eating nutritious food together in lessons tied to academics.
The results:
- 8,000+ elementary school students participated in FoodPrints sessions, cooking and enjoying over 30,000 pounds of produce from local farmers.
- In partnership with George Washington University, developed and validated the Building Informed Thoughtful Eaters food literacy questionnaire, the first tool to measure four dimensions of food literacy from the perspective of elementary students.
- 86% of 4th and 5th graders (of more than 375 surveyed) said they “loved” or “liked” participating in FoodPrints.
“Some kids think that only sweets are good, but FoodPrints shows you that healthy food can be delicious too!”
—5th grader, John Francis Education Campus
Photo courtesy of FRESHFARM.
