Impact of Garden-Based Youth Nutrition Intervention Programs: A Review (ROBINSON-O’BRIEN R, STORY M, HEIM S.)

Check out this easy read based on implementing a garden at a school (or within a community) and how integrating nutrition education will positively impact the health of kids.

Studies included children and adolescents around the United States and reviewed the impact of (garden-based) nutrition education. They examined fruit and/or vegetable intake, their willingness to taste the fruits
and vegetables, their own preferences for fruits and vegetables, and other nutrition-related outcomes.

• 5 lessons took place on school grounds and were integrated into the school curriculum, 3 lessons were organized as part of an after-school program, and 3 lessons were conducted within the community.
• 2 out of the 5 in-school lessons(studies) were effective in improving general nutrition knowledge, fruit and vegetable intake, and differentiating vegetables/fruits and their vitamins; 1 out of 3 of the after-school studies had an increase in vegetable intake; and 2 out of the 3 community studies showed an increase for fruit and vegetable intake and a willingness to eat more nutritious food. 

"Future research is needed to investigate whether garden-based nutrition-education programs positively impact dietary outcomes among youth. With high obesity rates among youth in the United States, it is imperative to investigate creative and effective healthful eating initiatives"

Pass this link to your friends, family, and local community gardens and start educating the younger generation!

 http://www.kohalacenter.org/HISGN/pdf/REPORTImpactsofGardenBasedNutritionIntervention.pdf

Notice of Hearing on Limited Poultry and Egg Farm Operation Rules

Followers of the small farm rules progression, please note that a request has been received for a public hearing on the Limited Poultry and Egg Farm Operation rule.  

(Of concern by this interested party is the expansion of the minimum flock of laying hens from 1000 to no more than 3000 annually.)

The Notice of Public Hearing is provided below.  This notice has been published in the Florida Administrative Register on Friday, May 10, 2013.  

• Verbal comments will be received at the time of the hearing and a comment period of two weeks will be opened for those who wish to provide comments in writing.  

NOTICE OF HEARING

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announces a public hearing to which all persons are invited:

DATE AND TIME: Friday, May 24, 2014, 2 pm to 4 pm.

PLACE:  Conner Building, The Eyster Auditorium, 3125 Conner Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399.

GENERAL SUBJECT MATTER TO BE CONSIDERED:  A public hearing has been requested by an interested party to address proposed rule language for Chapter 5K-4, Florida Administrative Code, relative to Limited Poultry and Egg Farm Operations.  This language proposes creation of a new food establishment in rule identified as a Limited Poultry and Egg Farm Operation including a definition of such operation; establishment of a permit fee that is lower than current fee category; providing the regulatory parameters for such operation; and, allowing for USDA exemptions applicable to such operations. 

A copy of the agenda may be obtained by contacting Darcy Poole, Division of Food Safety, 3125 Conner Boulevard MS – C 18, Tallahassee, FL, 32399-1650, telephone number: 850-245-5595 or by viewing below:

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the above mentioned office.

Summer Internship Opportunity with The Bridge of Northeast Florida

The Bridge of Northeast Florida is looking for a summer of 2013 intern.  The internship will run from the middle of June through the end of August, and will require 4-8 hours of work per week.  The individual must be at least 17.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Assisting in gardening class 2 days a week, one hour each 
• Assisting in exercise program 2 days a week-one hour each
• Some weekend time will be required as well.  
• General garden upkeep and harvesting for the month of august.

The internship pays $1500.00

To Apply: Applicants can respond to dbradford04@gmail.com AND stephanie@bridgejax.com

Meeting at City Hall to Discuss Backyard Hens

Join Hens in Jax for their third meeting with City Council regarding the legalization of backyard hens. The discussion will focus on the proposed wording for the ordinance. If you missed the first two meetings you can find a summary here with a 6-minute video of the meeting.

Date: Tuesday, May 14th
Time: 2:30pm
Location: City Hall, 117 West Duval Street

Duval County Extension Office - Irrigation Workshop

The Duval County Extension Offices/UF IFAS will be offering a free workshop on Do it Yourself Irrigation Repairs to Save Money on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Argyle Branch Library, 7973 Old Middleburg Road, Jacksonville, Fl. The workshop will be held from 6:30pm – 8:30 pm.

In times of drought be sure your irrigation system is in top shape. Learn hands-on ideas. Not everyone has in-ground irrigation, so we will cover hand-watering tips, plus the city ordinances and more. To pre-register, please call Becky at 904-255-7450 or email her at beckyd@coj.net with your name and phone number.

Jacksonville Zoo Garden Festival and Plant Sale

Date: May 18
Event Information: 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Members Only 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. General Admission

Don’t miss the first annual Garden Festival & Plant Sale! Join us at the Garden Tent outside of the zoo grounds (back left hand corner as you drive in) for a fun-filled day of outdoor entertainment. Spend your Saturday listening to great music surrounded by good food, drinks and beautiful plants!

• Purchase unique plants and garden related items from over 40 vendors from throughout the southeast
• Enjoy demonstrations from horticulture experts
• Participate in fun children’s craft activities from MOSH, MOCA, and the Zoo
• Enjoy entertainment from local bands like Grandpa’s Cough Medicine and Grimm White Steed
• Indulge in fine cuisine from popular area food truck On the Fly, as well as other delicious festival foods and fresh-squeezed lemonade!
• Treat yourself to a cold beer hand-crafted by Bold City Brewery and Intuition Ale Works

Event Pricing:

• Zoo Members: $3 adults/$2 children
• General Festival Admission: $4 adults/$3 children – PLUS, when you show your festival ticket, get $1 off on Zoo admission if you visit the park on the day of the event.

*Visit the website for more information*

30th Annual Birthday Festival at Maggie's Herb Farm

Join the 30th Annual Birthday Festival for  Maggie's Herb Farm!  Saturday,  May 11 from 10:00 AM- 4:00 pm 2013

They will have many vendors with herb and butterfly plants, homemade herb foods, herbal crafts, handmade soaps, birdhouses, medicinal herbalists, garden art and local pottery. 

There will be many varieties of culinary herbs, medicinal plants, and many more hummingbird and butterfly plants.  Raffle prizes, herbal lunch , teas, and live music spice up the day!  One to definitely mark on the calendar! Free admission. 

Click HERE To see Images from 29th and 28th Annual Birthday Festival Celebration 2011/2012