Check presentation was held Sept. 19 at Sprouts Farmers Market at 225 E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa as part of a national event
COSTA MESA, CA (Sept. 21, 2026) — On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation presented a donation of $5,000 to Project Independence(PI) at the Sprouts Farmers Market located at 225 E. 17th Street in Costa Mesa.
CEO Robert Watson and Board Chair Dan Pittman received the $5,000 grant on behalf of the Costa Mesa-based nonprofit organization that for nearly five decades has been a lifeline for one of the county’s most challenged populations, adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
Holding the check for $5,000 from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation are CEO Robert Watson, left, and Board Chair Dan Pittman, of Costa Mesa-based Project Independence. Luly Navarro, manager of the Sprouts Farmers Market on E 17th Street, gathered members of her team to participate in the presentation that took place in her store.
The grant will help support PI’s Healthy Living Program by funding the purchase of basic kitchen essentials and healthy ingredients that will help its clients make healthier meals at home. Aligning with the grant focus area, the core goal of the Program is to provide nutrition and healthy food education that is easily digestible and satisfying.
“We are honored to receive this generous donation from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation and will put it to good use as we bring healthier habits, greater independence, and joyful experiences to the people we serve,” said Watson.
Nationwide, more than 550 nonprofit partners will share $2.75 million in funding from the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation. Across all 500 Sprouts stores in 26 states, local schools and nonprofits will receive donations – all awarded at the same time on the same day through in-store check presentations. Known as Sprouting Healthy Communities Day, this annual event helps build the connection between Sprouts stores and their communities and has become a day of celebration.
These grants support initiatives that provide children and adults with access to nutrition education, gardening and cooking programs, and other resources to support healthier living.
In 2027, PI will commemorate 50 years of service in Orange County. Eighty-seven cents of every dollar raised by PI goes directly to support its vital programs.
###
About the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, established in 2015, is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization focused on advancing nutrition education, nutrition access, and health and wellness programs in the states where Sprouts Farmers Market operates. Understanding that healthy habits are formed at a young age, the Foundation champions youth gardening and cooking programs that teach children skills for healthy eating and lifestyle choices that can be carried into adulthood. Through partnerships with hyper-local community organizations, the Foundation also works to expand nutrition access and wellness programs that serve families and adults. Since 2015, the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation has awarded $50 million in grants. To learn more, visit Sprouts.com/foundation.
About Project Independence
Project Independence of Costa Mesa, California was established in 1977 to help people with developmental disabilities leave institutions so they could pursue living independently. Today, we continue to advocate for the rights of this special-needs population while providing services that help them to become and remain independent. Our core programs include Independent Living, Supported Employment, Day Program, and Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA). A comprehensive Healthy Living Program has been established to help build lifelong habits around nutrition, fitness, wellness, and community engagement.
