Khamari’s Story: Garden Captain
At Forest Park in New Orleans, Louisiana, the community global garden has done much more than bring fresh produce and herbs to families. For Khamari, who is in the 4th grade, it has become a positive outlet, leadership opportunity, and it has transformed reading into a fun activity. Khamari has struggled with reading in school and with controlling his emotions in a group setting. Over the last year, helping in the garden has become one of Khamari’s favorite things to do, and his behavior has greatly improved as a result. Due to his leadership and positive behavior, Khamari was recently awarded “Youth Garden Captain” status. Khamari practices his reading skills by reading the back of the seed packs to make sure that the seeds are planted correctly. He also enjoys reading all of the garden signs to the younger kids so they know what each plant is. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he responded, “if I don’t make it to the NBA, I would like to be a farmer so I can grow food for my family and give some away to people who are hungry.”
Community Gardens In place at a number of NHPF community centers, gardening projects combine activity with instruction, producing organic, healthy fruits and vegetables. At Forest Park in New Orleans, LA, a 1,000 square- foot community global garden was designed and built, funded by the Whole Kid Foundation Grant and the Tulane University Center for Public Service Fellowship. The community garden has thrived, and residents are able to take home fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The garden has also been used for culinary activities in afterschool programs, adult wellness socials, and “family fun” garden planting events. Each Wednesday during the afterschool program, children are able to help in the garden. Three “garden captains” maintain the garden, and residents volunteer to assist daily.
Where you live matters.
FISCAL YEAR 2016 ANNUAL REPORT 9
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