Growing my career and a harvest

Sara Smith, a CHIP
(Community Health
Internship Program) Student.

By Sara Smith. December 2017.

Until my CHIP (Community Health Internship Program), I only knew two things about fruits and vegetables. Most of them come from the ground and most of them I like to eat. Yet this last semester I had the opportunity to learn about composting, planting, and harvesting a variety of foods. I worked with Grow It Forward in Manitowoc, WI to expand their community gardens.

The previous year Grow It Forward had community members build the garden center. This year’s focus was involving community members, and especially youth, in the planting and growing the produce. Community members were asked to bring materials for the compost. Materials included things such as fruit peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. I stirred the pile once a week to ensure proper ventilation and a good compost pile. I never knew this was so easy. It was great to see so many community members support the garden with their garbage.

Onto planting and this is where the youth really got engaged. I developed a hands-on-presentation for students to learn how to compost, plant, and harvest the produce. I also included information regarding the importance of good nutrition for healthy bones and bodies. The students then helped dig the holes, plant the seeds, and water the ground. It was so great to see the kid’s energy. Most all wanted to come back once a week to water and see the progress of their work. By getting the students involved, meant we got the parents involved.

Students learn about gardening and the
benefits of good nutrition for strong
bones and healthy bodies.

After the hard work comes to the rewards to enjoy the harvest. Any community member who had assisted with the community garden was invited to come to the end celebration. Throughout the season I had taken photos and encouraged people to share their experience. From these items, I created a memory book for historical purposes and to share at the celebration. Music and food samples from the harvest were included in the celebration.

From this great experience, I learned how to garden. Most importantly I learned how to engage community members in an activity. I realized the importance of having people engaged in their own wellness. Especially the youth who really like the gardens. Many of them had small gardens in their own home. They admitted to eating more fruits and vegetables this year. As I graduate from nursing school this year, I will now find ways to help my patients be more engaged in their own wellness management. I am glad I participated in CHIP and would encourage more students to participate.

To learn about CHIP and how to participate visit: https://ahec.wisc.edu/chip/