Even in the rain, a team of volunteers from Atmos Energy continued to turn soil to build a learning garden at an Arlington elementary school last month, all to help young people learn the benefits of growing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables and to promote a lifetime of healthy habits. The garden build at Wimbish World Language Academy was the first official partnership between Texas Health’s North Texas Healthy Communities (NTHC) and Arlington ISD, thanks to generous support from Atmos Energy.

By Mary Jo Greene

A transformation has taken root in the school garden at Fort Worth ISD’s Bonnie Brae Elementary, with the support of community partners like Fidelity Investments and Blue Zones Project.                                                                                              

Fort Worth schools are about to get growing again!

By Mary Jo Greene

Gardens have always been part of Meagan Warminski’s life. Raised in a small farming town near Amarillo, Warminski has long savored fresh produce. “I have fond memories of shucking sweet corn on the tailgate in the middle of the field and shelling black-eyed peas on the front porch with my great-grandmother,” Warminski said. “And growing up on farm-fresh foods, I know nothing tastes better.”

Fall in Fort Worth is the perfect time to get gardening, and having a home garden is a great way to ensure that you will always have fresh produce available.

With spring just around the corner, it's time to get gardening in Texas!

Gardening is common in all Blue Zones^® areas, where people live the longest, healthiest lives. You, too, can garden your way to better health! By being outside, working with your hands to tend and reap, you see an increase in your mood and a decrease in stress levels.

According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, you can burn up to 150 calories for every 30-45 minutes you spend actively gardening! The best part is when you get to see (and eat!) the literal fruits of your labor.

If you don’t have a backyard garden or are unsure how to start one, choose to get involved with a community or local school garden. Gardening in shared plots also encourages you to socialize, develop new friendships and feel a part of something larger — all great benefits to your personal well-being.

A great place to start is getting involved with the Tarrant Area Food Bank’s Community Garden program that helps community members and organizations create thriving community gardens by teaching effective gardening techniques. Community members help tend the garden and grow fruits and vegetables that are distrubted to those in need. Each week, volunteers are invited to come to the TAFB Learning Garden to help plant and harvest fruits and vegetables, pull weeds and learn new gardening skills. TAFB also provides garden tours and regular workshops on gardening techniques.