F.R.E.S.H. Community Teaching Garden

The East Side Health District (ESHD) was established in 1937. Over its history, the East Side Health District has been devoted to improving public health and the environment of the residents of Canteen Township, Centreville Township, East St. Louis Township, and Stites Township by providing preventive health care throughout our community. The F.R.E.S.H. Community Teaching Garden was established in 2012 at 656 N. 20th Street to support ESHD’s mission of wellness promotion in the community.

F.R.E.S.H. Mission
In partnership with Arthur M. Jackson Jr. M.D. Healthcare Foundation (AMJHCF), local and state institutions, local universities, and citizens, East Side Health District installed the “F.R.E.S.H. Community Teaching Garden”. Our mission is to use this garden to serve as an educational tool for local families and individuals. By creating a sustainable, healthy, and readily available community food source, we can better achieve our mission of wellness promotion in the community.

F.R.E.S.H. Goals
To support the community garden movement by inspiring citizens of the surrounding areas to volunteer in our garden and/or start their own.

To educate people on the health benefits of locally grown fruits and vegetables – both for the individual and the environment. Ultimately, we hope this leads to an increased consumption of locally grown fruits and vegetables and a decrease in highly processed and fast foods.

To encourage garden participation among children. Numerous studies have shown kids who participate in garden-based activities perform better in academic, social, and health-related domains.

F.R.E.S.H. Opportunities
We are working to turn ESHD into a “Healthy Campus” by turning approximately ½ acre of land that we own from “Weeds to Seeds”.

Participants will be able to learn how to grow, pick, cook, and can the produce the garden produces. The ultimate goal for ESHD, AMJHCF, and our stakeholders is to teach individuals how to grow vegetables and fruits in “their own backyards” while enjoying the “fruits of their labors”.

Garden Features
Raised & keyhole gardens
Outdoor classroom
Fruit trees & a variety of veggies
Kid’s play area

Contact F.R.E.S.H. Farmer’s Market

F.R.E.S.H. Farmer’s Market is open every Thursday, 6/13/24 – 10/31/24 from 8 AM until produce is gone. It is located at 638 N. 20th St. East St. Louis, Illinois.

 F.R.E.S.H. Garden Beds

Garden beds are available
Marretha McCoy – 618 271 8722 Ext 102

Fees:
$100 – You manage
$150 – We manage