Author: Ruth Kirk
Planning Unit: Lawrence County CES
Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the National Library of Medicine gardening has a beneficial relationship to mental health. Gardening can help with food security, incorporate therapeutic intervention, physical activity, as well as social and leisure activities increasing mental health benefits. Lawrence County Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Senior Assistant partnered with Pathways/The Drop to help establish raised bed gardens for clients (adults and youth). NEP supplied the soil as well as onion sets, tomato, pepper, cucumber, squash, and zucchini plants. Approximately 10 clients from both Therapeutic Rehabilitation Program (TRP) and Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams (TAYLRD) programs participated regularly. Clients joined in planting, weeding, watering, gathering and some even made salsa with the produce grown. With such good attendance we are looking to expand the raised bed area and incorporate nutrition and cooking classes next growing season. Staff reported “I believe everyone had a great time with the garden and are looking forward to participating next year!”
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