Celebrating 10 Years of Healthy Gardens!

Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is *growing* strong!

After a 10-year success rate, Inspiritus' Healthy Gardens Program is expanding into new neighborhoods and communities. On Saturday, June 26th, we will plant raised-bed gardens at the historical Bradley Academy & Museum in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Inspiritus has also been asked to collaborate with Rosenwald Schools, a historical site in Bedford County, where we will be planting 10-20 raised garden beds (this site sits right next to a public housing community in Shelbyville, TN).

Our Healthy Gardens Program provides raised-bed gardens to teach and empower families living in public and subsidized-housing to grow their own fresh vegetables. These gardens increase the nutritional content of meals in the diets of families who often live in food deserts, struggle with transportation, and consume high fat and high salt content foods.

These gardens have proven to decrease a sense of isolation and promote healthy social interaction and support.

Cathy, one of our outstanding gardeners in Murfreesboro, had this to say about our program:

"It's awesome. I already ate 11 cucumbers and have lots of green big tomatoes. Next week, I'll be giving them away because I have so many! The lady at Salvation Army who feeds the homeless said she will take all the extras I have to make soup. I've already given them 2 sacks of sweet peas! Feels too good to give rather than get."

By raising gardens, individuals and families gain independence and responsibility as each garden is usually located right outside their home. Inspiritus provides everything a family needs to get started: raised-beds, soil, seeds, plants, tools, and on-going mentoring. Through this service, program participants are able to increase their self-esteem as they continue to garden successfully year after year - learning new techniques and sharing their experience with others in their community.

In honor of our 10th anniversary, please consider a donation to our Healthy Gardens Program so we can continue to empower these individuals and families on their path from surviving to thriving!

With Gratitude,

Janet Arning
Middle Tennessee Regional Director
Inspiritus