SA Youth’s Community Gardening Program Receives $1,000 Grant

SA Youth’s Community Gardening Program Receives $1,000 Grant

SA Youth, a local nonprofit after-school program, is the proud recipient of the UnitedHealth HEROES service-learning grant for $1,000. The money will be used to initiate a community gardening program that will encourage the community to participate in outdoor activities, and help combat obesity and diabetes by teaching healthy lifestyle habits.

The community gardening program will involve creating and maintaining several gardens around the community. Members will create three garden sections at the Mission Verde Center at the former Cooper Middle School and four gardens at its other Community Learning Centers, including: a community vegetable garden open to residents in the neighborhood; a Texas Natives and Butterfly Garden which will serve as a teaching tool displaying information about native plants; and a learning garden for the students to practice their gardening techniques and to use as a tool to teach the community.

“Community gardens specifically address the issue of childhood obesity by supporting healthy food choices among adults and children, and enhances the community’s access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Cynthia Le Monds, CEO of SA Youth. “The garden will promote physical activity and emphasize the importance of caring for the environment, while staying out of trouble.”

The program launched Jan. 1, with the culmination taking place during Global Youth Service Day in mid-April.