Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans
Memo
To:
WIC Coordinators
From:
State WIC Staff
Date:
May 30, 2012
Subject:
Garden Project – Fun Idea from Steele County
Local Agencies in the
The WIC Garden became reality in the spring of 2011 when the Steele County WIC program
applied for a SHIP Grant and received money to build, plant, maintain and promote gardening.
The goals of the garden are to improve nutrition and create awareness of healthy foods for WIC
families. The garden continues this year. Here is a synopsis of the garden project:
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Garden design objectives were to create a beautiful space as an entrance to a county
building and to be handicap accessible, user-friendly and accessible for teaching. The
design includes raised garden beds, with wood sides and concrete pavers, placed in a
sunny location.
Plants are selected based on what will bloom and grow in the Minnesota climate, have
varied color interest for child and easy to pick and maintain. They have also had
donations of strawberries, herbs, and tomato and pepper plants.
Additionally, containers are planted with herbs and vegetables to demonstrate container
gardening for apartment dwellers.
Watering and weeding is done by staff and participants (and helpful neighbors).
WIC participants can take home the produce grown in the garden!
Comments from WIC families include “Growing food is a very fun and rewarding
experience.” “It sparked a good conversation about gardens.” “Kids had fun picking their
own vegetables.” “We are going to try to plant our own garden next year!”
Staff feel that the project is an effective tool for teaching and encouraging family
participation in growing and consuming healthy fruits and vegetables.
The garden project was featured in the local paper. See Garden Project in Owatonna
newspaper
If you would like to learn more about the Steele County WIC garden project, contact Lisa Waypa
at [email protected] or 507-444-7660.
Thanks to Steele County WIC Program for sharing their fun garden project!
See the Steele County WIC Garden pictures on the following pages.
Now is the time to promote fresh fruits and vegetables! What are you doing to increase the use
of the cash value fruit and vegetable vouchers? What ideas do you give participants for using
General Information: 651-201-5000 • Toll-free: 888-345-0823 • TTY: 651-201-5797 • www.health.state.mn.us
An equal opportunity employer
the cash value vouchers? Write up your creative or innovative idea and submit it by email to
[email protected] or fax to Sandy at (651)215-8951.
Planting:
Display of WIC Garden Produce: