For more information please contact Debbie Miller, Director of Child & Family Policy Center.
1207 - 18th Avenue S. Nashville, TN 37212 |
|
|
River West Garden is Producing!
by Darcy Ann Freedman
|
Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal a startling statistic – 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 3 youth in Tennessee are overweight or obese. According to the Institute of Medicine , combating the obesity epidemic in our state and country requires commitments from individuals, families, communities, educational institutions, corporations, and governmental agencies. All sectors of society must join together in efforts to promote the health and well-being of our community.
|
|
The Center for Child and Family Policy has accepted this charge to work collaboratively to address the problem of obesity in Nashville and is specifically working to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in low-income communities, areas that typically have poor access to produce. The Center is working in partnership with the River West Community Development Corporation, the Nashville Farmers' Market, and the Truth and Reconciliation Project to support a neighborhood-based farmers' market (River West Produce Stand) which serves residents in three low-income neighborhoods in North Nashville . The grand opening of the River West Produce Stand was June 17th. To say the opening day of the produce stand was a success would most certainly be an understatement. Over 50 customers frequented the opening day of the stand and we sold out of almost all of our produce. The greatest sign of success, however, was witnessing neighbors share a watermelon and hearing folks describe how they would prepare the fresh produce for special Father's Day suppers.
The River West Produce Stand will continue to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to community members from June 17 to August 19. The produce stand is located on the corner of 40 th and Indiana Avenue and operates from 10am to 2pm. Stop by and pick up a selection of tasty vegetables to promote your health and to support local efforts to enhance the well-being of the residents of North Nashville.
If you are interested in volunteering at the stand (or garden), please contact Darcy at (Darcy Freedman). |
|
| Darcy Freedman is an intern with the Child and Family Policy Center and a doctoral student in the Community Research and Action program at Peabody. She has worked with River West residents, TSU, and several community organizations to establish Community Gardening Training for these communities. |
|
