House of Hope students in the gardens. Photo courtesy of House of Hope
House of Hope will unveil three new gardens installed at Martin County Parks & Recreation facilities, inviting more children to learn where their food comes from and why fresh fruits and vegetables are important to their health.
County Commissioners Sarah Heard and Stacy Hetherington are funding new gardens in their district and will join House of Hope for ribbon cuttings in March.
Children in the Parks & Recreation after school program already take part in a nutrition education program that teaches the importance of healthy habits and good nutrition. Now the children at three sites will have the opportunity to visit a garden on the premises, gather what’s ready for picking, taste some of the harvest, and learn quick and easy recipes.
The gardens of fruits, veggies, herbs, edible flowers, and pollinator-friendly flowers have been installed and will be maintained by Urban Abundance. The company typically maintains organic raised bed gardens for individual homeowners or renters, but they’re eager to be involved in helping young people learn about soil, plants, fertilizers, and the joy of growing one’s own fruits and vegetables.
The three new garden sites are located at the GAAP (Golden Gate Alternative Afterschool Program and at REACH (Reimagining Education and Career Help) in Stuart, and at JASE (the Jensen After School Experience) in Jensen Beach.
For more information about House of Hope, hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673.