Arizona grocery shoppers will have the opportunity during September to help Arizona\u2019s youngest children learn, grow and succeed.<\/p>\n
First Things First (FTF), a state organization that funds strategies and initiatives in the areas of early learning, preventive health and family support, \u00a0will be the beneficiary of a register promotion at all Bashas\u2019 and Food City grocery stores throughout Arizona. Money collected Sept. 1- 30 will benefit programs and services designed to help young children birth to age 5 be ready for kindergarten.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen voters created First Things First in 2006, their intent was that we partner with local communities to build on their strengths and address some of the gaps in services for children,\u201d said FTF CEO Marilee Dal Pra. \u201cIt is collaborative efforts like this that allow us to maximize our collective resources, knowledge and passion.\u201d<\/p>\n
The early childhood years are when the brain grows and develops the most. In fact, 90% of a child\u2019s brain develops by age 5, before they start kindergarten. And research has shown that a child\u2019s experiences in their early years affect how their brain develops.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many years Eddie and Nadine Basha worked to improve conditions for children in the state. They were instrumental in founding and bringing about the First Things First initiative,\u201d said Edward \u201cTrey\u201d Basha, president and CEO of Bashas\u2019 family of stores. \u201cThe initiative\u2019s focus on early childhood development is critical and its mission touches every corner of our state. It is a privilege for Bashas\u2019 to have First Things First as our September Charity of the Month. We are grateful for our many customers who will join us in supporting this great organization.\u201d<\/p>\n
Research has also proven that kids with quality early childhood experiences do better in school. They are more likely to go to college and have successful careers. They also tend to be healthier and demand less from the public welfare system.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why FTF partners with families and communities to support the healthy development and learning of Arizona\u2019s youngest children. This is done through quality early care and education programs, preventive health efforts and supporting parents in their role as their child\u2019s first teachers.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Arizona grocery shoppers will have the opportunity in September to help Arizona\u2019s youngest children learn, grow and succeed through a register promotion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":24887,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[97,107],"class_list":["post-24886","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-az-communities","tag-early-childhood"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n