Good health in hand

Young families learn about improving their health through BoysTown’s Produce to Plate project.

AWARENESS. EDUCATION. SUPPORT.

BoysTown’s Produce to Plate project gives families experiencing socio-economic disadvantage in Port Pirie, South Australia the opportunity to plant, maintain and harvest a variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs, and prepare meals.

The project is part of the Penrose Young Parents Program – a support service for young parents and children aged 0 to 5 – which works collaboratively with a range of local services.

BoysTown Lead Family Worker Jo Vanstone says research indicates that community gardening leads to a variety of health benefits. These include improved nutrition, increased awareness of fresh food options, enhanced meal planning and improved confidence in providing nutritional meals for young children.

 

The Produce to Plate project is about keeping infants and children well by exposing families to information about the importance of healthy eating. And starting early increases the potential to influence positive eating habits in children. Jo Vanstone, BoysTown Lead Family Worker

All project activities are tailored to suit the needs and capabilities of young parents with varied literacy and numeracy skills, including the development of a book called ‘Starting Your Own Vegetable and Herb Garden’ which includes healthy recipes and practical advice.

Medibank provided the initial seed funding for the communal garden including raised vegetable and herb gardens. The raised garden beds continue to be used for seasonal vegetable and herb gardening workshops.

This is just one of the many ways BoysTown’s services change people’s lives. Let us know your thoughts about the Produce to Plate project. Please comment below.

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