We See “Gardening” Rippling from the School into Our Communities

by Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

RED MESA, ARIZONA - “We are promoting gardening for healthy living: it can be a small backyard garden box to a fenced garden. Gardening requires physical activity and access to fresh vegetables and fruits, both support health and wellness. We see “gardening” rippling from the school into our communities,” commented Echohawk Lefthand, School Education Coordinator for the Regional Health Center about the upcoming garden planting program set for Earth Day at the Red Mesa Junior High School.

Gardening for Healthy Living

This Friday, April 22 - Earth Day - The Red Mesa Unified School District and Four Corners Regional Health Center, in conjunction with Eve’s Fund, will celebrate National Garden Month by opening a community greenhouse on the property of Red Mesa Junior High School.

At 1 pm, students and teachers will gather in the greenhouse at Red Mesa High School to plant seeds for a variety of fruits and vegetables, officially kicking off the community’s “From the Ground Up” Gardening Program.

“One of the goals of the Gardening Program is to educate students, parents and community members about the importance of healthy eating,”

said Dr. Robert M. Crowell, founder and president of Eve’s Fund. “We want kids and parents to get excited about eating more fruits and vegetables, and opening the greenhouse is an important first step.”

Eve’s Fund for Native American Health Initiatives is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that promotes hope and wellness among Native Americans. Dr. Robert M. Crowell founded Eve’s Fund in 2005 in memory of his daughter, Eve Erin Crowell. Over the past five years, the organization has developed strong community partnerships and created prevention and education programs impacting thousands of Native children and young adults.