Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Members of the Sugar Hill and surrounding communities are invited to assist in the first harvest and distribution of food at the Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club (1900 SE 4th St, Gainesville) today, January 17, 2012, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In October 2011, Alachua County’s CHOICES Health Education and Wellness (HEW) sponsored the cultivation of ten new garden beds in the field behind the Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club. Since that time, CHOICES HEW has held weekly gardening and nutrition classes for youth and adults at the facility.

The CHOICES HEW Program serves all residents of Alachua County and is committed to reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases that are major causes of preventable sickness and death in the community, especially diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Nationally, obesity is a major problem among both adults and children. Children who are overweight are more likely to be obese as adults; and overweight adults in turn have a greater chance of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.

Proper nutrition plays a major role in adopting a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk factors for obesity. Healthy eating can be accomplished through increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and consuming fat-free and low-fat dairy products. CHOICES HEW aims to promote healthy eating in areas where resources, like nutritional foods, are scarce

“Alachua County on the Move for Community Gardens” is a partnership with the Florida Organic Growers and the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County. For more information, contact Heidi Hofer or Kendra Auguste at 352-334-8889.

For more information or to apply for CHOICES Health Services, call 352-264-6772 or visit www.acCHOICES.com.

If any accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 or (352) 374-5284 TDD.