Torgenson Law Helps Bring Nutrition and Gardening Back to Classrooms

John Torgenson’s Donation Helps Fuel Health & Wellness Programs in Coconino County

John Torgenson of Torgenson Law has deep ties to northern Arizona. During his time at the University of Utah, he worked as a river guide, leading rafting trips through the Grand Canyon. In 2024, John discovered an opportunity to contribute a donation that would directly benefit the health and well-being of the Coconino County community.

Torgenson Law interviewed Gayle Gratop, Program Manager for Arizona Health Zone, to learn about the incredible work being done in Coconino County, all thanks to John’s generous donation to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. The impact of the gift is already being felt across the community, particularly in the areas of nutrition, gardening, and wellness education.

Bringing School Gardens Back to Life at Lake View Primary

When John Torgenson made his donation, Gayle and her team immediately began thinking about how to put it to work in the community. One of the first projects they tackled was the school garden at Lake View Primary School in Page. Gayle told the firm that Theresa Kulpinski from AZ Health Zone suggested they bring back gardening and nutrition programs to the school, something that had been missing for quite some time.

After connecting with Lake View’s Principal Brian Henderson and teacher Hattie Williams, they quickly got to work. Many students at Lake View don’t have regular access to fresh, healthy food, and until now, they didn’t have any formal nutrition education. Thanks to John’s donation, the school garden is thriving again, and students are not only learning about gardening, but also where their food comes from and why eating healthy matters.

The goal, Gayle explained, is for these students to take this knowledge home and share it with their families. The hope is that it will spark healthier food choices at home and even inspire families to start their own gardens. It’s a way of building healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

How the Garden is Inspiring Change

One of the most rewarding parts of the program, Gayle shared, is hearing the kids’ excitement. Some of the feedback from students has been truly heartwarming. One student said, “I want to eat healthier now and teach my brother too!” Another said, “I want to plant a garden at my house!” These comments show that the kids aren’t just learning about healthy food but that they are excited to put it into use in their own lives.

To date, 25 students have participated in the program, and Gayle shared that the engagement has been incredible. In the classroom, the kids have been learning about different types of lettuce, kale, carrots, and so much more. They’ve even planted their own pumpkin seeds and designed their own garden layouts. Outside, they’re getting their hands dirty, learning how to plan and plant. As Gayle said, it’s been amazing to see the students get so excited about what they’re learning.

The program also teaches kids how to make a balanced meal, with each student drawing their own “nutritionally balanced plate” that fills categories like dairy, protein, grains, and fruits/vegetables. Gayle said it’s been fantastic to see how involved the students have been, from planting seeds to drawing their healthy plates.

Looking ahead, Gayle’s team is excited for the spring of 2025, when they’ll be able to start planting more seeds outdoors and see the garden really come to life.

Expanding Programs: Junior Master Gardeners and Wellness Volunteers

The work doesn’t stop at Lake View. Thanks to John’s donation, Gayle’s team is also launching a Junior Master Gardener program at another primary school in Page. Kristi Schoppman, one of the coordinators funded by John, is leading the charge there, teaching students about gardening and sustainability.

In Flagstaff, Gayle and her team are kicking off a new program called the Master Wellness Volunteer Program. This will be the first of its kind in Arizona and is modeled after a successful program from Texas A&M. Volunteers will go through training on topics like food security, health equity, stress management, and nutrition. Once they’re trained, they’ll be able to take what they’ve learned back into the community by leading workshops, health fairs, and cooking classes. It’s an exciting way to bring wellness education directly to families across the county.

Building for the Long Term: Creating Sustainable Programs

John’s donation isn’t just about short-term projects. Gayle mentioned that the funding has already helped support three new staff positions, including AmeriCorps coordinators who are helping to manage and expand these programs. The donation is also going toward purchasing necessary supplies, and Gayle is hopeful that this will lay the foundation for future grants and additional donations to keep the programs running long-term.

Expanding Skills: Food Preservation in Page and Grand Canyon

Another initiative in the works, thanks to John’s funding, is a series of food preservation classes in Page and Grand Canyon. These classes will teach families how to can fruits and vegetables, so they can preserve healthy food for the future. Gayle explained that this is especially important in rural areas where access to fresh produce can be limited. By offering these classes, they’ll be helping families take control of their food sources and make sure they have access to healthy meals all year long.

A Huge Thanks to John Torgenson

The donation is already making a huge difference in the community, and Gayle’s team is just getting started. From revitalizing school gardens to launching wellness programs and teaching families practical skills, the effects of this gift will be felt for many years to come. A huge thank you to John Torgenson for his commitment to making Coconino County a healthier place.

A Word from John Torgenson

Northern Arizona has always held a special place in my heart. My time as a river guide in the Grand Canyon shaped who I am today — it taught me the value of community, resilience, and the power of nature to bring people together. When I learned about the work being done through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and Arizona Health Zone, I saw an opportunity to give back to a place that gave so much to me.

This isn’t about charity — it’s about investing in real people, in real communities, in a way that makes lasting change. Whether it’s a kid in Page learning to grow lettuce for the first time, or a family in the Grand Canyon region learning how to preserve their own food, this work is about dignity, health, and hope. I’m incredibly inspired by Gayle Gratop and her team. They’re doing the hard, important work of building healthier futures — one garden, one class, one family at a time.

I’m proud to support their mission and even prouder of what’s already been accomplished. And we’re just getting started.

— John Torgenson
Torgenson Law | It’s Personal.