volunteer1_cc_fc_web.jpgLAUDERHILL — Volunteer Broward’s Garden of Feedin’ program has been sprouting valuable lessons in nutrition education for young children around the county. 

The program, funded by the AD Henderson Foundation and first introduced by Volunteer Broward in 2008, has resulted in more than a dozen gardens being built at pre-schools and community centers from Pembroke Pines to Pompano Beach.

Garden of Feedin’ is an early child care gardening project that engages children, parents and childcare providers in the urban gardening concept to improve the quality of life for the community, grow healthy foods and produce a sustainable edible garden.

This year’s program involved 450 children in Lauderhill, Oakland Park and Fort Lauderdale in four garden projects.

“This has been one of the most exciting things I have ever done as a teacher.” said Doris Ladson, who has been teaching for more than 30 years at Achievers Academy and Camp in Oakland Park.

The pre-school is one of four in Broward participating in the 2011 program that infuses a 12-week nutrition education curriculum with hands-on gardening experiences.

“The program provides an important life lesson,” said Dale Hirsch, executive director of Volunteer Broward. “It gives young students the opportunity to see how a living plant can provide sustenance to a community through love, care and commitment.” 

Meanwhile, Volunteer Broward announced that it is looking for volunteers to help lead the community garden program.  Interested persons should call  Sander Schrantz at 954-233-1291 or e-mail sander@volbrow.org.

For more information on the Garden of Feedin’ program or to schedule a volunteer orientation, call 954-233-1300 or visit www.VolunteerBroward.org.