Stonyfield Organic is teaming up with the YMCA of Greater Nashua to help make the great outdoors even greater!

Presenting a $20,000 donation, this event will announce a program to convert the athletic field at the YMCA of Greater Nashua to organic grounds management, ensuring the spaces are free from the use of synthetic pesticides.

Nashua is one of several cities across the country that is receiving support as part of Stonyfield’s #PlayFree initiative, an ambitious multi-year and multi-million-dollar commitment to convert public parks and fields across the country to organic pest management.

Most parks and public grounds are managed using a combination of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides and research shows that pesticide exposure can adversely affect neurological, respiratory, immune and endocrine systems in humans. According to a recent survey by Stonyfield Organic, 92% of area residents sought sanctuary in the outdoors during the Covid-19 quarantine, showing that individuals and families are appreciating the great outdoors more than ever, but 60% are not aware that public parks are using pesticides to treat their grass. Stonyfield’s work with the YMCA of Greater Nashua aims to bring greater awareness about possible exposure to pesticides in these increasingly important outdoor playing fields and community spaces.

This year, the YMCA of Greater Nashua celebrated 133 years of service. Its facilities, which are located in Nashua and Merrimack, have engaged over 35,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors.

Stonyfield Organic has been headquartered in the state of New Hampshire for 37 years and is proud to extend its efforts to bring organic beyond the grocery aisle in its own backyard with the transition of the athletic field at the YMCA of Greater Nashua.

Masks are required by all attendees and social distancing measures will be followed throughout the duration of the event.

This press release was produced by Stonyfield Organic Press. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

About the YMCA of Greater Nashua:

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. In 2019, the YMCA of Greater Nashua celebrated 132 years of service. Its facilities which are located in Nashua and Merrimack engage over 35,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Last year, the Y provided $760,000 in scholarships for more than 3,000 children, youth and families to participate in Y programs and membership. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.