Last year BSFG member Val Dunin presented on behalf of 'Benalla Grow Your Own' project at a BSFG general meeting. It was wonderful to hear recently that the 'Benalla Grow Your Own' project was a joint winner of a 2017 Vic Health Award in the category 'Promoting Health Equity'.
Benalla Grow Your Own – Engaging Disadvantaged Families with Wicking Garden Beds
St Vincent de Paul Society of Benalla, Benalla Health and Beechworth Corrections Centre.
"This project piloted the installation of wicking garden beds in the backyards of at-risk families, to support them to grow their own fruit and vegetables. It also aimed to improve community connectivity and increase people’s knowledge, confidence and skills to grow their own food.
Designed by prisoners at the nearby Beechworth Corrections Centre, the garden beds are raised with built-in reservoirs at the bottom. This type of garden bed was chosen for its water saving capabilities, and the cost of watering this type of garden is substantially less than a regular garden.
In total, 48 families (including 72 children) now have wicking garden beds. This has led to an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, spending more time outside and improved self-reported mental health"
Congratulations to Val (pictured here holding the award) and all involved in the 'Benalla Grow Your Own' project!
Benalla Grow Your Own – Engaging Disadvantaged Families with Wicking Garden Beds
St Vincent de Paul Society of Benalla, Benalla Health and Beechworth Corrections Centre.
"This project piloted the installation of wicking garden beds in the backyards of at-risk families, to support them to grow their own fruit and vegetables. It also aimed to improve community connectivity and increase people’s knowledge, confidence and skills to grow their own food.
Designed by prisoners at the nearby Beechworth Corrections Centre, the garden beds are raised with built-in reservoirs at the bottom. This type of garden bed was chosen for its water saving capabilities, and the cost of watering this type of garden is substantially less than a regular garden.
In total, 48 families (including 72 children) now have wicking garden beds. This has led to an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption, spending more time outside and improved self-reported mental health"
Congratulations to Val (pictured here holding the award) and all involved in the 'Benalla Grow Your Own' project!
