FAMILIES LEARN TO GROW FOOD FROM A EXPERT
Sunday, February 26, 2012
for Immediate Release
During the week of Feb 27th – March 2nd, the Camden Children’s Garden staff, volunteers, youth employees and students, will build their exhibit using food gardening techniques utilized through the CCGC’s Community Gardening Program, which boasts more than 116 community gardens throughout the City of Camden.
In addition to sharing with visitors, the fun and imagination of the Camden Children’s Garden, this exhibit will address food security and sustainability. The Flower Show display will educate Flower Show visitors about how easy it can be to grow their own produce and motivate families to prepare fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to enjoy these meals together. At a time when greening our lives, eating healthy natural food, and saving money, are very relevant issues; it is apparent that vegetable and community gardening are viable food resources.
For almost 3 decades, the CCGC has helped to grow and feed the City of Camden. Through the Community Gardening Program, the CCGC provides sustainable urban agriculture, food access and nutritional education to the people of Camden. Working in tandem with the Community Gardening Program, through the CCGC’s Fresh Food Events, GrowLab Program, and the various educational activities held at the Camden Children’s Garden, the CCGC strives to break Camden’s poverty cycle by teaching families how to grow and prepare their own healthy food. The CCGC is helping to feed approximately 12% of residents of the City of Camden, NJ (#9 US Food Desert) with fresh, inexpensive food that they can grow themselves. Moreover, the CCGC also celebrates nutritious eating with Camden’s children through the in-school GrowLab Program since 1990. GrowLab offers Camden children hands-on nutrition/science education by growing produce in their classroom’s mini-greenhouses. All of this experience and educational philosophies will be incorporated into the Flower Show Exhibit to inspire All visitors and other community gardeners!
