The students assisted with the planting and assist with daily care of the garden by watering, pulling weeds and fertilizing as needed. They fertilize their garden by using natural nutrients. Their left over scraps, which are used for compost, are stored in two barrels that are near the garden for the students easy access. Initially, some of the students didn’t think they would be interested in a community garden. But, after they began to see the transformation, they began to get excited about the project. They are a really excited about it harvesting and can’t wait to test it, take it home and give to their parents.

While the garden is harvesting, the students were asked go online and search recipes that they can use as samples. The recipes of their choosing can consist of one or more of a combination of garden items. The PE teacher is working closely with them on it and is finding it a great experience as well. The parents can also get involved and come and visit the garden at any time they desire to see their child’s work.

These students proved that any school can plant a garden. They used a divided a section of the playground for their garden and plan to make it a yearly project. Other future plans are to participate in the Food Day in September to kick off garden their activities. The garden will be ready no later than the end of July.

Based on the 500 surveys returned, on average, 58% of the participants felt that eating fruits and vegetables were extremely important to their health. However, within two days prior to taking the survey, only 35.6% of the participants consumed 3 to 4 servings of fruits and vegetables. Also, within the past 30 days of taking the survey, 79.1% of the participants bought fresh fruits and vegetables.

Intervention
ESMM Aiken County Coalition, with technical support from DHEC Midlands’ staff, brainstormed avenues to reduce the obesity rate among our adults and our children. The groups’ vision was to provide Aiken County with affordable healthy options so that it would be at its healthy best. Therefore, they decided to partner with the following agencies and assist with their community garden efforts:

• Golden Harvest Food Bank. The coalition purchased a 4x4x7 raised bed. Rows of fruits and vegetables will be planted and will be given to low income individuals that utilize Golden Harvest. Additionally, some will be distributed to multiple food banks. Their goal is to implement at least 12 gardens of fruits and vegetables.

• Faith Academy. The coalition introduced the Grow It, Try It, Like It toolkit ordered from the Dept. of Agriculture, and the school has begun implementing it. This kit introduces a new fruit and vegetable every week. They have also started their own garden consisting of strawberries, cucumbers, radishes, and green beans.

Impact
Community members had the opportunity to:
• Participate in the initial processes of gardening and harvesting by sampling each vegetable and taking them home to their families.
• Assist in the upkeep of the garden which included fertilizing, pulling weeds, and watering the garden.
• Cold Creek Nurseries, locally, offered the children lessons and garden workshops. Sessions includes learning about planting, care, and successful planning.
• Low income families will have affordable access to healthy fruits and vegetables.

Because of the children’s excitement, they would check on the progress of the garden everyday to ensure it received adequate care. Their future hope is to plant their own gardens at home.

Contact: Corine C Simpkins, Health Educator
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, Midlands Region
222 Beaufort Street, North East, Aiken
803.642.1607 or email simpkicc@dhec.sc.gov

Former, current and new partners are welcomed to attend! We need your participation.

For further information, please contact, Corine C Simpkins at 803.642.1607.

Aiken Retreat
Aiken Obesity and Related Factors