Describe the Issue or Situation.

In response to this pressing issue, the Clinton County Nutrition Education Program Assistant and Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent collaborated with Community Based Interventions to create a community-based intervention garden. This program focused on teaching gardening skills alongside nutrition education, emphasizing meal planning and cooking. Participants engaged in therapeutic horticulture, which leverages the act of gardening to enhance spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

In response to this pressing issue, the Clinton County Nutrition Education Program Assistant and Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent collaborated with Community Based Interventions to create a community-based intervention garden. This program focused on teaching gardening skills alongside nutrition education, emphasizing meal planning and cooking. Participants engaged in therapeutic horticulture, which leverages the act of gardening to enhance spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Seventeen clients from local recovery centers participated in the gardening program. They engaged in hands-on activities such as planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting a variety of vegetables, including cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, turnips, and potatoes, grown in raised beds and container gardens. Participants also took ownership of the garden's management, making decisions that fostered a sense of responsibility and community.

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

The program demonstrated significant outcomes, with 75% of participants reporting increased social connections and enhanced confidence in their leadership skills. Participants gained a better understanding of teamwork and collaboration, essential elements in their recovery process. At the end of the growing season, the garden yielded 40 pounds of produce, equating to approximately 200 servings of fresh vegetables, which were used in cooking classes and provided to participants for home use. Medical research supports the benefits of proper nutrition in recovery, showing that increased intake of fruits and vegetables can aid in physical healing and stabilize emotional well-being. Additionally, 15 participants completed the "Healthy Choices for Your Recovery Body" course, further integrating the lessons learned from the garden into their recovery journeys. The center director noted the remarkable ownership and positive impact this program had on participants, underscoring the program's success in fostering community belonging and supporting recovery efforts.