Got Dirt? Garden Initiative Project
GREEN BAY - For the last several years, researchers in Wisconsin have been seeking ways to encourage children at risk for obesity to stay active, through alternative physical education options and video games that involve physical activity. Now you can add gardening to that mix.
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has awarded Brown County a $474,990 grant for the Got Dirt? Garden Initiative Project. This grant is part of the school’s Community Academic Partnership Fund designed to support Wisconsin-based projects that focus on health and prevention initiatives to improve the health of Wisconsin citizens.
The Got Dirt? Garden Initiative is a statewide program designed to improve child health and nutrition by increasing access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables through youth gardens at child care centers and schools in Wisconsin.
Brown County UW-Extension is providing leadership for the initiative. Dr. Aaron Carrel of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health’s Department of Pediatrics is serving as academic partner for the project.
"Getting kids involved in gardening has multiple benefits," explains Dr. Carrel. "Not only do they get involved in physical activity like digging and raking, but they learn to grow fruits and vegetables, which also teaches them about healthy eating habits."
For more information about the Got Dirt? Garden Initiative, contact Bill Wright, Brown County UW-Extension, at (920) 391-4658.
"Getting kids involved in gardening has multiple benefits," explains Dr. Carrel. "Not only do they get involved in physical activity like digging and raking, but they learn to grow fruits and vegetables, which also teaches them about healthy eating habits."
For more information about the Got Dirt? Garden Initiative, contact Bill Wright, Brown County UW-Extension, at (920) 391-4658.
Date Published: 01/14/2008
News tag(s):
pediatric fitness
