Since its inception in 2019, the community garden has continued to grow and flourish, providing a nurturing space for community members to come together.
HealthFinders is committed to fostering community health – both within the clinic and throughout the community. One example of this is the HFC community garden. When the Faribault location opened in 2019, remnants of a garden were discovered behind the building. Master Gardener and HFC volunteer Susanna McDowell had known about the old garden at the site and led the effort to bring the garden back to life for the community. The garden started small – protected by a small chicken wire fence and serving eight families. Over the years as community interest grew, so did the plot and the garden now serves 12 families. Thanks to a partnership with Sharing Our Roots, taller fences were added to protect crops from deer, along with small garden boxes, and thanks to the Community Connectors program, educational resources for garden families. Another partner, Spring Wind Farm in Northfield, provides extra produce to ensure a surplus of nourishing food for our community.
A key figure in the garden's success is Baldemar Villareal who came onboard to learn more about growing his own food. Baldemar shares produce with his community and helps others learn how to garden, helping to foster connections among community members.
“The programs and resources that HealthFinders provides for the community have taught me and others how to do new things to be able to bring us closer together and build a strong and friendly community. Being out in nature can provide calmness and peacefulness. We are growing fruits and vegetables that are organic and good quality to promote health. The programs and resources that Healthfinders provides for the community teach me and others how to do new things to be able to bring us closer together and build a strong and friendly community”
Youth engagement is also highly important to HealthFinders’ mission, and plays an integral role in the garden as well.
“I think it is a good idea to get youth involved and to keep them busy. The garden helps youth pick up new hobbies and ideas. Healthfinders has provided the materials and resources to bring us together so to them I give a big thank you and everything is appreciated.”
HealthFinders continues to foster community wellness through initiatives like the garden which offer community engagement, education, self-sustainment, and engagement opportunities for families and people of all ages.
HealthFinders extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the dedicated supporters of the HFC community garden and Spring Winds Farms. Special thanks to the Sharing Our Roots team (Antonio Alba, Noemi Carreon, and Wendy Romero) and Master Gardener Susanna McDowell for their invaluable contributions. Your efforts make a difference in the lives of our neighbors!
If you are interested in our garden initiative, please contact Wendy Sara at sara.wendy@healthfindersmn.org. We start contacting interested families in early spring.
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