Community Garden Launched at the Senior Center in Placerville
The El Dorado County Public Health Division, Senior Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and University of California CalFresh program have partnered to promote healthy eating and increase access to healthy food by launching a community garden in the courtyard of the Senior Center located at 937 Spring Street in Placerville.
The new community garden was established this month and consists of three large raised garden beds, with an assortment of vegetables, and a composter. The garden will be maintained by a senior volunteer committee. Vegetables harvested from the garden will be available for all seniors to enjoy. The Senior Center will also feature Thursday tasting events hosted by SNAP-Ed where seniors can taste recipes that include vegetables from the garden.
According to Olivia Bryon-Cooper, Program Manager with El Dorado County Public Health, older adults can reduce their risk of some cancers and chronic diseases by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. "Access to healthy food is essential to prevent and manage diabetes, high blood pressure and other conditions," said Byron-Cooper. "The community garden will not only promote healthful eating, physical activity and mental health, but also build skills and foster social interaction."
"The Senior Center is the hub for all senior programs in El Dorado County and serves over 8,000 seniors annually. It is an ideal location for a community garden," said Star Walker, Senior Services Program Coordinator.
For more information, please visit www.welldorado.org or call Star Walker at (530) 621-6255.
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