Accessing Community Gardens for Nutritional Education in Idaho
GrantID: 8037
Grant Funding Amount Low: $10,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $20,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Nutritional Education through Community Gardens in Idaho
In Idaho, food deserts remain a prominent issue, particularly in urban areas where access to fresh produce is severely limited. According to the USDA, nearly 12% of Idaho residents live in areas classified as food deserts, which often results in decreased access to healthy nutrition and increased reliance on processed foods. This situation contributes to rising rates of diet-related health issues, including obesity and diabetes, particularly among low-income households.
The families facing these barriers in Idaho predominantly reside in urban neighborhoods where grocery stores offering fresh produce are few and far between. Economic constraints further exacerbate the challenge, with many families finding it difficult to afford healthy food options that may be available. The lack of nutritional education often perpetuates these disparities, as families may not be equipped with the knowledge required to make informed dietary choices.
Funding through the grant will establish community gardens in urban Idaho, focused on providing hands-on nutritional education to families. Participants will engage in growing their own fruits and vegetables while simultaneously learning about healthy eating practices. The gardens serve as practical platforms for teaching about sustainable agriculture and the importance of nutrition, directly addressing issues of food access and educational deficits.
The program will assess its success by monitoring increased accessibility to fresh produce among participating families and tracking changes in dietary habits over time. By integrating nutritional education with community gardening, the initiative aims to empower families to take control of their food sources while fostering sustainable practices that can lead to healthier lifestyles.
Idaho's approach differentiates itself from similar initiatives in neighboring states by emphasizing practical gardening skills in urban settings as a direct method of combating food deserts. By creating local growing opportunities and educational programs, this initiative targets the unique food access challenges facing Idaho's urban populations.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
