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The Morrison Community Hospital Foundation has a vision of joining the community together while promoting healthy living. One way the MCH Foundation Board would like to accomplish this is by creating a community garden in Morrison and by designing an educational gardening program for young children. The inspiration came from a successful program developed by Lindy Beswick, designed for a larger health system in Oklahoma. On Christmas Eve, Chad Haskell, MCH Director of Communications, Lindy, and her husband, Donovan Beswick, met to discuss a program titled “Little Sprouts”. The program incorporates educating young children on the benefits of gardening, allows them to experience gardening, embraces family togetherness, and encourages healthy eating choices. In addition to the young children’s program, The MCH Foundation is gathering collaborators to work with them to create a community garden in Morrison. “The support and enthusiasm has been unbelievable. I can already envision the garden filled with people of all generations working together and sharing information. After reading the recent data reporting the growing obesity rates in the nation it has become apparent that we need to take a more proactive approach to healthcare. We can accomplish that through community programs and education. I encourage anyone who is interested in the project to join us in this effort,” said Chad Haskell. The concept is to use square foot gardening and allow service groups, churches, individuals, families, schools, businesses, etc. to purchase a lot for growing and maintaining their own garden. They can choose to do what they would like with what they grow. Some may decide to sell items at the farmers market, donate produce to the food pantry, use for church community dinners, or take home for their families. There may be a minimal price to purchase a lot but the fees will be used to help cover costs of building the garden. The cost has not been determined. There have been several land locations that have been offered as possible sites for the proposed community garden. There will be a meeting held at the Odell Library Community Room on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 7 p.m. to discuss ideas, gather volunteers, and determine potential financial supporters for the project. Everyone is welcome to attend. The Odell Library is located at 307 S. Madison St. Morrison, IL. For more information please contact MCH Director of Communications, Chad Haskell, at 815-772-5510. |