Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Alachua County’s CHOICES Health Education and Wellness, and Alachua County on the Move for Community Gardens are celebrating National Food Day by planting a community garden in Sugar Hill on Monday, October 24, 2011. The event will be held at the Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club (1900 SE 4th St, Gainesville), from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is open to all resident. Refreshments and prizes will be provided as well as a healthy cooking demonstration by Blue Oven Kitchens. “Alachua County On The Move for Community Gardens” is a partnership with the Florida Organic Growers and the Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County.

The CHOICES Health Education & Wellness Program serves all residents of Alachua County focusing on chronic diseases that are major causes of preventable sickness and death in our community, especially diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Optimal fruit and vegetable intake is associated with good health and reduced disease risk.

Alachua County’s CHOICES Health Education and Wellness aims to decrease risk for developing obesity by offering a garden-based nutrition program to residents through the Boys and Girls Club. Research suggests garden-based nutrition education intervention programs may have the potential to promote increased fruit and vegetable intake among youth and increased willingness to taste fruits and vegetables among younger children.

Alachua County on the Move for Community Gardens event flyer.

For more information about the event or this garden, contact Heidi Hofer at 352-334-8889.

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

Click here for more information about the CHOICES Health Education & Wellness Program.

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