EDGEMOOR UNVEILED A NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN

March 8, 2012 (Santee) -- County officials and community partners unveiled the new volunteer garden at Edgemoor in Santee yesterday.

The volunteer garden, located at 255 Park Center Dr., is open to both community residents and County staff to increase access to fresh produce and physical activity. Residents of Edgemoor, will be involved in the garden through the Recreational Therapy Unit.

Edgemoor is the County’s 24-hour skilled nursing facility which provides services for seriously ill or injured adult patients with chronic disorders.

Supervisor Dianne Jacob, District 2, County of San Diego Board of Supervisors, Nick Macchione, Director of County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Walter Hekimian, Administrator for HHSA Edgemoor District Part Skilled Nursing Facility and Judith Jacoby of San Diego Community Gardening Network were present for the unveiling.

There is a growing interest in gardens as a tool for rebuilding our nation’s health and well-being by providing low-cost access to fresh produce. The volunteer garden provides a space for community residents and County staff to grow fresh produce and give back to Edgemoor by participating in a yearly Harvest Celebration with the Edgemoor residents.

The establishment of the Edgemoor Volunteer Garden is a project of Healthy Works, a countywide initiative making systems and environmental changes promoting wellness and addressing the nationwide obesity epidemic. Healthy Works, administered by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The project is part of the County’s Live Well, San Diego! initiative, a 10-year vision for healthy, safe and thriving communities.