The El Dorado County Public Health Division, Senior Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and University of California Calfresh have partnered to promote healthy eating and increase access to healthy food by launching a community garden in the courtyard at the Senior Center at 937 Spring Street, Placerville in September.
“The Senior Center is the hub for all senior programs and serves over 8,000 seniors annually. It is an ideal location for a community garden,” said Star Walker, Senior Services Program Coordinator, El Dorado County. “For older, adults, the increased risk of some cancers and chronic disease can be reduced by eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables,” said El Dorado County Program Manager Olivia Byron-Cooper.
The community garden consists of three large raised garden beds, a worm composter and an assortment of vegetables. The garden will be maintained by a senior volunteer committee and the harvest will be available to all seniors to enjoy.
Did you know?
El Dorado County has a whole team of people dedicated to ensuring access to healthy affordable food and existing resources! Interested in joining the team? Contact Ellen Deutsche at ellen.deutsche@edcgov.us or (530) 621-6170.