Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation: Four schools awarded grants for gardens

Contact:

Kendi Parvin, 608.442.3748

kendi.parvin@wismed.org

Madison, Wis. –The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation recently announced four schools that will receive $3,000 in grants earmarked for the development of school garden programs. The grants, supported by

Humana, Inc., were awarded to Mineral Point Elementary School, Mt. Horeb School District, Stratford Schools and Doudna Elementary in Richland Center, Wisconsin.

These schools will use the funding to help build new gardens or expand existing programs. With the production of natural, whole foods onsite, more nutritious ingredients can be included in student lunch programs, and students are able to share their garden surplus with the community. The gardens also give children a hands-on learning experience to illustrate the basics of good nutrition, encourage active lifestyles and help them develop a sense of ownership and responsibility—important lessons for a healthy life.

Planning for school gardens in these communities has already inspired widespread community involvement and spurred participation by parents and local physicians.

“There is significant evidence that school gardens help prevent childhood obesity and improve overall community health,” said Mineral Point family physician Sarah Fox, MD. “As a physician and parent of three children attending Mineral Point Elementary, I’m excited to be closely involved in the garden project.”

“Serving healthy foods in schools is just the first step. School gardens not only provide fresh produce, but they give kids a chance to learn about the farm to fork concept, instilling a pattern of healthy eating for the future,” said Gennifer Jeffries, Humana community relations manager. “At Humana, we believe in establishing well-being for a lifetime, and we look forward to seeing these important programs expand throughout the community.”

Visit www.wisconsinmedicalsocietyfoundation.org for a complete list of grant recipients.

With more than 12,000 members dedicated to the best interests of their patients, the Wisconsin Medical

Society is the largest association of medical doctors in the state and a trusted source for health policy

leadership since 1841. The Wisconsin Medical Society Foundation was chartered in 1955 as a charitable

organization to advance the health of the people of Wisconsin by supporting medical and health education.

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health care company that offers a wide range of

insurance products and health and wellness services that incorporate an integrated approach to lifelong well-
being. By leveraging the strengths of its core businesses, Humana believes it can better explore opportunities

for existing and emerging adjacencies in health care that can further enhance wellness opportunities for the

millions of people across the nation with whom the company has relationships. Visit www.humana.com for

more information.