An important component in EngAGE programming focuses on wellness, and eating healthy food is central to staying well. Many older people in our communities don’t have the financial resources to ensure a healthy diet, so EngAGE provides solutions. Two of these are (1) partnering with the Food Forward program and (2) encouraging community gardening, which results in not only a tasty harvest but also an enjoyable community-building opportunity.
Residents at The Metro at Compton Senior Apartments are grateful for the Food Forward program, which provide fresh produce on a monthly basis. Food Forward staff and volunteers rescue 353,000 pounds of surplus produce each week from fruit trees, farmers markets, and the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market. One hundred percent of these fresh fruits and vegetables are donated to over 575 hunger relief agencies across eight counties in Southern California and distributed to folks like our low-income residents.
Residents also appreciate their raised-bed garden areas, and are responsible for watering and weeding. The Garden Club meets once a month to discuss garden issues or needs. And everyone is pleased when there’s something beautiful ready for harvest!
~ Sandra Vargas, Program Director
Thanks to support from @BankofAmerica, more low-income families will have access to healthy food.
