Health Benefits that Community Gardens Bring!
by Diana Campos-Jimenez |
| We are always trying to capture how Community Gardens benefit one’s mental and physical health – especially during the Pandemic. In my visits to community gardens, I try to ask members who I interact with, “what benefits do you get from being a member of this garden?” They share that aside from being able to grow your own organic chemical free food – the gardens also offered a benefits to things you don’t see. Like a pep to their step because they are exercising, learning a new recipe because they had an abundance of a vegetable/fruit and wanted to know how else to eat it! But my favorite one is how it motivates you to connect with loved ones, friends and like minded people – “One time I grew over 60 lbs of tomatoes, and I called everyone I knew to pick some up! I called my sister, cousins, neighbors and coworkers, some who I don’t regularly connect with, but because I want to share, it motivated me to reach out. They smile when they see me, I’m the auntie who always has food!” We know from studies that close personal connections help with mental health, not only do they enhance one’s mood, but it has only shown to lower blood pressure, combine that with eating healthy and you are well on your way to improving your health! If you’re not gardening at home, consider joining one of our gardens and start growing! (Published on our August Newsletter) |
Diana Campos
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