Sprouts is helping make sure members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca-Lathrop develop healthy eating habits.

They are doing so by awarding a grant to the non-profit to provide its 351 active members with basic nutrition workshops, being able to participate in hands on gardening projects, and cooking classes using fresh ingredients.

It will also include health behavior assessments as well as guest speakers expected to include local athletes, chefs and health professionals that will focus on the importance of healthy living.

The year-long program will also include interactive games and challenges to re-enforce the healthy eating message.

The grant was presented to Boys & Girls Club CEO Dani Daly by Lathrop Sprouts store manager Angel Baptista during Saturday morning ceremonies at the Lathrop location. The store is in the Target shopping center off Interstate 5 at Louise Avenue.

The Boys & Girls Club at 545 E. Alameda St. is open to youth from 6 years of age in the first grade to 18 years of age that are in the 12th grade.

The club provides homework assistance, art, activities, sports, character and leadership programs, plus health and life skills mentoring in addition to providing a safe place for kids to be kids.

The clubhouse includes a gym, a teen room,  games room, art room, and computer/homework room.

It is open school days, Monday through Friday, from 3 to p.m. During Manteca Unified minimum school days hours are 12:30 to 7 p.m.

Summer hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Membership information as well as an application can be found at the club’s website at bgmanteca.org

For more information call 209-239-5437.