According to a survey of 400 randomly selected adults in Berlin, Newington, Wethersfield and Rocky Hill, the towns comprising the Central Connecticut Health District (CCHD), people are not eating enough fruits and veggies. In fact, district residents are only eating 2.3 percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommended daily vegetable serving and 1.9 percent of the daily fruit serving. This finding may be a contributing factor in these alarming statistics:
- 62 percent of adults are overweight
- 7,600 adults have diabetes
To address this issue, the CCHD is using funds from the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s annual block grant to offer a four-session gardening education program to increase the community’s level of knowledge regarding fruit and vegetable growth. The CCHD is partnering with Elizabeth Phillips, horticulturist and greenhouse manager at Stonehedge Landscaping and Garden Center.
March 19--This introductory class provides a basic overview of recommended amounts of sunlight, which soil compound is best for certain plants, and the difference between cold-weather and hot-weather fruits and vegetables. (Snow date March 21)
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March 26-- The second class covers how to plant various types of gardens such as a ground garden, container garden, or raised-bed garden. (Snow date March 28)
April 9--This class involves hands-on planting including education on organic growing methods, pest control, composting, and feeding your plant’s soil. (Snow date April 11)
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April 16-- The final class outlines daily garden maintenance while your garden is in use and winter maintenance to ensure the health of your garden for the next season. (Snow date April 18)
The class is restricted to 12 – 15 participants per session. To ensure your space, please call Hilary Norcia, CCHD Community Health Coordinator, at (860) 665-8571.
