Thanks to the good work of Ying Guo a 24-year-old Community Healthcorps member (Americorps) working with Bronx Health REACH these kids will experience growing some fresh food in the Bronx.
All they needed was some space in the sun because she had the good sense to use EarthBox type portable micro gardens to create this kids garden. There was no need for tillable soil access.
Sub-irrigated planters (SIPs) like the EarthBox and DIY versions are an ideal way to introduce children to the wonders of growing some of their own food in a harsh city environment where there is lots of concrete and city soil that is often contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as lead.
Small children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning and these self-contained EarthBox micro gardens will protect them from it. I am sure by now that the children have had what was likely their first taste of freshly harvested vegetables. Every child should have this experience early in life. more photos
WHY — While working with Bronx Health REACH in the South Bronx, it was not hard to recognize the environmental challenges to living a healthy lifestyle. Kids have access to fast food on every corner; fresh produce is hard to find. They grow up without understanding where food comes from, and many do not know what fresh produce tastes like.
WHAT — Our project Growing Gardens Growing Kids will help kids start a community garden in the South Bronx to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, provide hands-on learning so they understand where food comes from, and to teach them nutrition and healthy habits.
HOW — I will be developing a curriculum for Head Start supervisors to help pre-K children plant their own produce using EarthBoxes, a high-tech, low-maintenance growing system. Lesson plans will teach the children with where food comes from and about healthy eating.