GROWING HEALTHY INITIATIVE
OPENING SPRING 2012
The Growing Health Initiative is a three-pronged community-based program designed to promote and encourage families and schools to take simple steps toward a healthier lifestyle.
NUTRITION CLASSES
Nutrition and gardening activities for families will be held on Saturdays starting in February 2012. Workshops are provided by Hope Health Center in partnership with UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences. Lessons will include cooking demonstrations, grocery shopping on a budget, and simple recipes for preparing healthy meals.
Students from Restoration Academy, Grace House Ministries (a residential home for girls), and other groups will also participate regularly in gardening and nutrition classes (dates TBD). Students will learn to plant seeds, harvest produce, and the importance of eating healthy at the Fairfield Community Garden.
All adults and families with children are invited to sign up.
Email admin@hopehealthcenter.org or call Hope Health Center at 205-785-1353 for more information.
FITNESS CLASSES
Adults of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in fun and challenging exercise classes on Saturday mornings beginning in January 2012. The classes will be inclusive of all fitness levels and adapted to the needs of the participants. Patients referred to the fitness class by a doctor at Hope Health Center will also work with a doctor at periodic check-ups to monitor their health and progress toward weight-loss or other health-related goals.
GARDENING AND PRODUCE STAND
• Growing healthy food is easy! Sign up to reserve your own garden plot (5‘X10’). 6-month registration is $20. Price includes garden plot, a selection of seed and seedlings, water supply, fertilizer, and consulting services from our master gardener. (All participants in Growing Healthy Fitness or Nutrition classes will receive their garden plot at 50% off). Call 205-259-6128 or email fairfieldgarden44@gmail.com to sign up.
• Community Gardening happens every Saturday morning during the growing season, and instructional classes are offered periodically. Contact us by email to receive updates/notifications.
• A small produce stand will be set up near the community garden in order to provide access to fresh vegetables and fruits for local residents at an affordable price.
(just do one picture of gardening in this section, maybe some other clipart type stuff to show produce . . .)
FAIRFIELD COMMUNITY GARDEN
The Fairfield Community Garden, located at 520 44th Street, broke ground in Spring 2011 to encourage local residents to grow their own fresh produce, to teach basic gardening, to increase access to fresh produce, to build a sense of community pride and cooperation, and to beautify the neighborhood. The garden was constructed by a large team of local residents and volunteers and divided into 36 individual plots. In its first year, the garden has generated much interest and excitement among residents!
Email fairfieldgarden44@gmail.com or call Marcus at 205-259-6128 for more information.