Planting the seeds of health, learning

FREMONT — Kids at the local YMCA are digging into gardening and growing healthy habits this summer. The YMCA of Sandusky County and Sandusky County Public Health recently announced the launch of new educational youth gardens at both YMCA Child Development Centers. This initiative, made possible through the Creating Healthy Communities program and funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Health, aims to cultivate not only vegetables but also curiosity, responsibility and healthy habits among local youth. "The vegetable gardens are going to be a great learning opportunity for the kids," Laura Bogard, program coordinator for Creating Healthy Communities, said. "A lot of kids don't know or understand where some foods come from, and these gardens will be a great teaching tool." The gardens, located at the YMCA of Sandusky County and Hayes Memorial United Methodist Church, are already buzzing with activity. Preschool and school-age summer childcare students have begun planting vegetables and will continue to care for them throughout the summer — watering, weeding and eventually harvesting their crops. The hands-on experience is paired with nutrition education, allowing students to enjoy their healthy harvests as snacks. Creating Healthy Communities is a grant-funded initiative through Sandusky County Public Health focused on preventing and reducing chronic disease. By working with community partners, the program improves access to healthy food and increases opportunities for physical activity across the county. This isn't the first collaboration between the YMCA and Sandusky County Public Health. In 2023, they launched the Cycle Sandusky County Bike Share Program, which allows residents and visitors to borrow bikes free of charge during YMCA hours. "The YMCA of Sandusky County Child Development Centers are excited to collaborate with the Health Department on this unique outdoor educational program," YMCA of Sandusky County childcare director Heather Cooper said. "These gardens will allow for enhanced learning interactions for our students. They are particularly looking forward to picking and eating the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor." For more information on Creating Healthy Communities, call 419-334-6386 or visit scpublichealth.com/chc. To learn more about the YMCA Child Development Centers, call 419-332-9622 or visit ymcafremont.org/child-development.