Security Health Plan donates $100,000 for childcare, school gardens
CONTACTS: Rebecca Normington, 715-221-9726, normington.rebecca@securityhealth.org
MARSHFIELD – The ground may be frozen and buried by snow, but it’s not too soon to dream of fresh produce from the garden – lettuce and tomatoes and carrots and strawberries and so much more.
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin’s chief administrative officer, Steve Youso, announced today that the Marshfield-based health maintenance organization has begun awarding grants for Sprouting Healthy Kids, a childcare and school garden campaign against childhood obesity.
“Involving children in school gardening is a simple and effective way to help children learn about nutrition and the importance of healthy food choices,” Youso said. “Of course, working in a garden is a healthy physical activity, too.”
Security Health Plan has allocated $100,000 for nearly 50 mini-grants that will help establish gardens throughout Security Health Plan’s 36-county service area. Sprouting Healthy Kids is for all children, toddler to teenager, and was developed in partnership with the Wood County Health Department.
Grant recipients will be able to use the money they receive for the supplies needed to create a garden, including soil, fertilizer, lumber for raised beds, water barrels, fencing, tools, and gardening books. Security Health Plan will also sponsor workshops to help recipients create a garden action plan and curriculum for the classroom.
An essential feature of Sprouting Healthy Kids is that children must help in planting and caring for the garden. And, in time, they’ll also enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of the harvest.
Childhood obesity and its health-related consequences is a serious problem that can be avoided or reversed, Youso said. Research shows eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent cancer, heart disease and obesity.
“The battle against childhood obesity is one of the most important health issues facing Wisconsin and the nation,” Youso said. “Furthermore, there’s value in learning where our food comes from and what it takes to sustain a garden. We’re hoping these grants will make a positive difference in the health of our children and they will have some fun in their new gardens this summer.”
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About Security Health Plan
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin Inc. is a health maintenance organization sponsored by Marshfield Clinic, now serving more than 200,000 residents in 36 counties of Wisconsin. Accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Security Health Plan insures employees of large and small businesses, individuals and families, and administers self-funded employer health plans.
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