A food growing community cultivating health

As a pediatric nurse for 32 years I have seen an increase in the number of kids admitted with obesity and malnutrition, diabetes at a younger age and kids so chronically constipated they are hospitalized for invasive treatment.......all related to poor nutrition and a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. Treating the results of food inequity and a lack of nutrition knowledge in the hospital or doctor's office is not working as evidenced by these kids suffering on a daily basis. Seeing this year after year, getting worse, I knew I needed to do something to change the pattern. Food access is not enough; we need to do more.  

Food matters, that is clear and we need to provide the tools to empower the community to know where their food comes from, provide affordable access, grow their own and learn simple ways to prepare locally grown foods to improve health outcomes. This is something we must do, for the sake of our children.