1. GROWING AND NOURISHING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES IMPROVING ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS

2. Relevance A food desert is a geographic area where affordable and healthy food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile. Food deserts also exist in rural areas and low-income communities. Some research links them to diet-related health problems in affected populations. Food deserts are sometimes associated with supermarket shortages and food security. Relevance A food desert is a geographic area where affordable and healthy food is difficult to obtain, particularly for those without access to an automobile. Food deserts also exist in rural areas and low-income communities. Some research links them to diet-related health problems in affected populations. Food deserts are sometimes associated with supermarket shortages and food security.

3. Relevance Residents of low income households living in food deserts have limited ability to access and purchase healthy foods. Researchers suggest that an individual’s food choices are often influenced by what is immediately available to them. Therefore, improving access to vegetables and fruits can be beneficial in improving their diet and the health of the community. Relevance Residents of low income households living in food deserts have limited ability to access and purchase healthy foods. Researchers suggest that an individual’s food choices are often influenced by what is immediately available to them. Therefore, improving access to vegetables and fruits can be beneficial in improving their diet and the health of the community.

4. Response The Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities program aims to increase the availability of healthy foods, specifically fresh produce, through the use of community gardens. Funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities program teaches participants how to grow their own produce.Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities Response The Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities program aims to increase the availability of healthy foods, specifically fresh produce, through the use of community gardens. Funded by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities program teaches participants how to grow their own produce.Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities

5. Response Two Ways to Grow: (1)Community Garden- Growing and Nourishing Communities Garden Course (2)Learn Grow Eat and Go!- School based garden with curriculum Response Two Ways to Grow: (1)Community Garden- Growing and Nourishing Communities Garden Course (2)Learn Grow Eat and Go!- School based garden with curriculum

6. Community Garden- Growing and Nourishing Communities Garden Course To participate in the program, individuals must: (1) Qualify for SNAP benefits (2) Have an interest in learning how to grow vegetables; (3) Agree to help build and maintain the community gardens (4) Complete a series of educational classes to increase their gardening skills. Community Garden- Growing and Nourishing Communities Garden Course To participate in the program, individuals must: (1) Qualify for SNAP benefits (2) Have an interest in learning how to grow vegetables; (3) Agree to help build and maintain the community gardens (4) Complete a series of educational classes to increase their gardening skills.

7. Community Garden- Growing and Nourishing Communities Garden Course Results Extension educators taught the gardening class series, which included topics such as how to select the right garden location, planting and watering techniques, controlling insects, and composting. As produce was harvested, participants learned how to prepare it by participating in the Better Living for Texans program. Community Garden- Growing and Nourishing Communities Garden Course Results Extension educators taught the gardening class series, which included topics such as how to select the right garden location, planting and watering techniques, controlling insects, and composting. As produce was harvested, participants learned how to prepare it by participating in the Better Living for Texans program.

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11. Starting School Gardens

12. Lots of Options!

13. The LGEG school garden project specifically designed to be:

15. Food Exposure

16. GO Strong with Walk Across Texas

17. a big idea…