Growing Health: A Day of Fresh Food and Learning

At the Giving Garden, we believe that empowering young people with hands-on experiences can transform their relationship with food and health. Recently, we had the privilege of partnering with UF Health Pediatric Metabolic & Obesity Program (under the direction of Dr. Angelina Bernier). We hosted their patients and families for a day filled with fresh greens, life skills, and valuable lessons on sustainable, healthy eating.

The day began in the heart of our farm, where the children learned how to harvest vibrant, nutritious greens straight from the soil. Guided by our team, they discovered the joys of connecting with their food at its source while gaining insights into the nutritional benefits of leafy greens.

The adventure didn’t stop at the farm. Together, we traveled to the kitchen of one of our partners, Working Food, where children learned how to prepare delicious and healthy meals using the greens they harvested. With guidance from skilled chef, Chef Carl of Underground Kitchen, they practiced simple cooking techniques, transforming fresh produce into flavorful dishes they were excited to try at home.

To ensure the impact extended beyond the day, every participant left with a veggie bag filled with farm-fresh produce, recipe cards, and educational resources on how to access affordable, sustainable fresh food in their community. These take-home tools empower families to incorporate healthy eating into their daily lives, creating lasting change.

This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships and hands-on education in fostering healthier communities. By giving these young learners the skills and resources to make nutritious food choices, we’re sowing seeds for a healthier, more sustainable future.

This event was made possible thanks to a generous gift from Dr. Janet Silverstein, who served for over four decades as a renowned Pediatric Endocrinologist at UF Health Shands before retiring in 2022. We’re grateful to Dr. Bernier, Felicia, Kadence, and the entire team at the UF Health Pediatric Metabolic & Obesity Program, as well as our community partners at Working Food & Chef Empowerment for joining us. We look forward to hosting more transformative programs like this in the future!