By Sheryl Marlar
The University of West Georgia has partnered with Tanner Health System’s “Get Healthy, Live Well” initiative, a community transformation grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to plant and maintain a community garden. UWG joins several other groups in the area who are also planting these gardens. Bowdon Elementary School, Fairfield Plantation, Heard County 4-H Club and Piney Grove Baptist Church are among approximately 11 groups taking part in the initiative.
Some of the gardens will be used to grow food for local needy families and others will focus on educating young people on growing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. “We’re bringing community partners together to help our neighbors and reach people who need fresh food,” says Denise Taylor, senior vice president and chief community health, strategy and brand officer at Tanner Health System. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to educate the next generation about growing fresh vegetables and fruit."
Community gardens provide residents with sustainably grown produce, a sense of community and a connection to the environment in which they live. Some of the crops will include tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra, corn and strawberries.
For those who love gardening, but don’t have the time or space for a garden, or would like to try it for the first time, taking part in one of these community gardens provides that opportunity. Participants will learn how to grow organic vegetables and receive training in healthy cooking habits. For students living off-campus, Tanner Health System also has garden plots available for adoption at Knox Park in Carrollton and Stockmar Park in Villa Rica. Students can apply for a scholarship to get a plot for a reduced rate for the entire season. Applications are available at http://gethealthylivewell.org/community-gardens/stockmar-park-community-garden-applications/.
The UWG Community Garden is made possible through funding partnerships and collaboration between UWG's Facilities, Sustainability Council, Wolf Wellness Advisory Council and the Green Elite student organizations and "Get Healthy, Live Well."
UWG’s garden is located behind the Observatory area and bus storage lot. To take part in the gardening effort, please send an email to wolfwellness@westga.edu.
