American Heart Association Celebrates 200 Teaching Gardens during National Garden Month

NewMediaWire via WebWire

DALLAS, TX, April 17, 2013 – The American Heart Association is celebrating the success of their Teaching Gardens program this month, with more than 200 gardens currently funded nationwide.  The program, implemented in elementary schools in 30 states, has taught approximately 84,000 first- through fifth-graders how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants and harvest produce in gardens across the country, while learning the value of heart-healthy eating. Garden-themed lessons also teach students about nutrition, math, science and other subjects, all while having fun in the fresh air and working with their hands.

“I have seen so much enthusiasm and excitement about our garden from all over the community,” said Kim Aman, Garden Champion, Moss Haven Elementary School in Dallas, Texas.  “The kids are so proud of their special place and I am usually the first person they run to when they want to share stories about their harvests, pests, problems and successes.

”A Teaching Garden consists of child-friendly planter beds constructed by hand, soil, seedlings and standard gardening supplies, provided at no cost to the school.  Recent enhancements, such as vertical gardens, have helped make the program available to all elementary schools regardless of space on campus or the geographical location and climate.

With one-third of U.S. children and teens overweight or obese, the Teaching Garden program was created to help combat childhood obesity and to instill healthy eating in youth and their families. For more information on Teaching Gardens, or to apply for one in your community or school, please visit www.heart.org/teachinggardens. To access healthy living resources including information about childhood nutrition, visit My Heart. My Life.

About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit www.heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

Contact: 
Kailey Shatzer
214-706-1538
Kailey.shatzer@heart.org

Contact Information

Kailey Shatzer

Communications

American Heart Association

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