eNEWS
May 2010 > FOG celebrates Earth Day by installing GIFT Gardens at City of Gainesville facility
Florida Organic Growers celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day April 22 by installating four raised-bed gardens at the City of Gainesville's Thelma Boltin Activity Center in downtown Gainesville, the first GIFT Gardens on city property. The gardens will provide nutritious and healthy food, exercise and horticultural therapy for the elderly who participate in the on-site meal program operated by ElderCare of Alachua County with assistance from University of Florida nursing students. Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan spoke to volunteers and other attendees about the city's commitment to local food and its elderly populations.
Since GIFT Gardens began in May 2008, 200 different locations in Alachua County have received raised-bed vegetable gardens, including nine schools, four churches, and 21 various organizations including group homes, youth organizations, nursing homes and institutions. GIFT Gardens are provided free to Alachua County residents with low incomes and the institutions that serve them.
FOG continued Earth Day celebrations April 24 by participating in the nationwide National Rebuilding Day with Rebuild Together North Central Florida. Ten homes in Alachua County received upgrades to their homes to help low income owners stay in and afford their homes. Four of these homes also received free raised-bed GIFT Gardens, which will help residents become more self-sufficient and provide for themselves and their families.
The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on April 27 approved the installation of four raised-bed GIFT Gardens and perennial edible fruit trees at the Alachua County Administration Building, the first edible landscaping on county property since GIFT Gardens began. FOG will design, install and coordinate maintenance of the raised-bed gardens and edible landscaping in cooperation with locally-owned and operated Abundant Edible Landscapes. Community volunteers will assist with maintenance and delivery of produce to food pantries and other charitable organizations. Funding for the project was made possible by Alachua County and the Rotary Club of Downtown Gainesville.
For more information about GIFT Gardens visit www.foginfo.org/gift, call 352.377.6345 or email christine@foginfo.org.