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Dina Freedman ReportingAccording to census statistics, Utahns are getting heavier. Could growing produce be part of the solution?
The Sisson family has already taken advantage of community gardening in Salt Lake and shared the hobby with their children.
Charlene Sisson, Gardener: "We've always taught them that it's best to eat food naturally, which is the best way to eat a healthy diet. They eat all the vegetables here. They've eaten the tomatoes, they've eaten the squash and the peas, so everything we've planted they'll eat."
The whole point of this grant money is for communities to get together and plant produce for a healthier lifestyle.
Lynda Blades, Utah Dept. of Health: "Out of the one hundred thousand dollars, about thirty thousand of that will be awarded to community agencies who are interested in starting community gardens or wanting the money to enhance existing community gardens."
The grant is for everyone, but those with an economic need will be given first priority.
Emily Aagaard, Wasatch Community Gardens Dir.: "Through the money provided with this cooperation with the department of health, we're able to dedicate more staff time and outreach in helping people start community gardens, school gardens, gardens within their neighborhood in which they can grow vegetables and to provide more educational opportunities."
But you don't have to apply for a grant to get involved with community gardening or eating fresh. Workshops are available for free.
Charlene Sisson, Gardener: "I would encourage anybody; it kind of helps you to get out of the world and get back into nature and enjoy other people from the community you wouldn't normally meet."
And vegetables you might not normally eat!
