BUFFALO HEALTHY LIVING
The Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association and Wegmans kicked-off the sponsorship of the second American Heart Association Teaching Garden on Tuesday at Cayuga Heights Elementary School, 1780 Como Park Blvd. The Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association Teaching Garden is sponsored by Wegmans Food Markets, as part of an education initiative to help build healthy bodies and minds.
The Teaching Garden was created using American Heart Association science and nutrition guidelines coupled with information from gardening and education experts. The program combines nutrition education with garden based learning. It is a real-life laboratory where students learn how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce and ultimately understand the value of good eating habits.
“At Wegmans, we are committed to helping our customers and employees live healthier, better lives and that starts with our youngest customers. Children will learn about where their food comes from, the importance of healthy eating so that they create healthy habits that can last a lifetime,” said Michele Mehaffy, Buffalo Consumer Affairs Manager, Wegmans Food Market.
Numerous studies have shown that participation in school garden programs can have a positive impact on student’s attitudes toward fruits and vegetables. Cayuga Heights staff are excited to continue cultivating healthy kids, who have proven to perform higher.
“We at Cayuga Heights are thrilled to be partnering with the American Heart Association and Wegmans again. Our students take great pride in hard work and responsibility, and the teaching garden is a perfect platform for them to be actively involved in making our school a model for leadership,” says Patrick Uhteg, Leadership Coordinator of Cayuga Heights Elementary School.
Obesity is one of the most expensive health care problems in America. One third of U.S. children are overweight or obese putting them at higher risk of heart disease and stroke. “The Teaching Garden program promotes healthy eating education and increased fruit and vegetable intake among children. Studies show that healthy behavior positively impacts learning. And healthy students make better students, so we all win in our community,” says Jesse Ladoue, Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association Corporate Relations Director.
For more information on starting an American Heart Association Teaching Garden in your school, contact Jesse Ladoue at the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association office #716-243-4607 or visit www.heart.org/teachinggarden.
Originally posted by Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine . Republished with permission.
