Parkview devotes space to hands-on nutrition education
Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
The Parkview Community Greenhouse and Learning Kitchen is set to open for tours and classes in May.
In its ongoing efforts to promote all-around health and wellness, this newest addition to Parkview Health will serve as a “hub” for healthy food and resources about the importance of nutrition.
“We recognize the power of fresh, healthy food in disease prevention and health promotion,” Dr. Sarah GiaQuinta, vice president of community health for Parkview Health, said in Parkview’s announcement. “As caregivers, it is critical that we understand the social and environmental influencers of health and wellness within our community.”
The greenhouse and kitchen is at 1716 Beacon St. in Fort Wayne, which, according to Parkview, was not merely an accident. In fact, per Parkview’s announcement, the facility will be located near a known “food desert” in the city, or an area where there is limited or no access to nutritional food.
In both areas, Parkview wants to adopt a more hands-on approach to nutrition. When the facility opens, the community will be invited to participate in some of the new cooking classes or take a tour of the gardens where visitors will learn about where their food comes from. Gardening classes are scheduled to start in June. All of the programs will be free and open to the public.
“We want to connect people to the power of produce, as well as knowledge on how to grow food and prepare meals that are life-sustaining,” Kathy Wehrle, community outreach dietician for Parkview, said. “The hands-on skill building that will occur at this center will be a catalyst for positively impacting the overall health of the community.”
The Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) program has also teamed up with Parkview to host a farmers’ market that will accept SNAP or other forms of food assistance and help get more fresh foods into Fort Wayne homes.
Related Articles:
Parkview Community Greenhouse to open in May from Inside INdiana Business
