Garden coming to Carson Tahoe Health will help feed seniors

Carson Tahoe Health, a leading healthcare system in Northern Nevada, and The Greenhouse Project, an agricultural and education-based nonprofit, announced an expanded partnership to build the Foothill Garden on Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center’s campus.

Located behind the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center in north Carson City, Foothill Garden will include a large hoop house and several raised plant beds. The garden will be managed by experts in growing produce in Nevada, worked by students who want to learn more about sustainability, and provide vegetables year-round to local seniors.

“There’s something healing about connecting to the earth (through gardening),” said Karen Abowd, board president and cofounder of The Greenhouse Project. “Through our collaboration with Carson Tahoe Health, we’ll be teaching people to produce their own healthy food and live more sustainably.”

Since it began agricultural operations at Carson High School in fall 2010, The Greenhouse Project initiative has helped area residents realize the importance of sustainable living, learn to grow their own food, expand their knowledge of nutrition, and establish a connection to the outdoors. Now The Greenhouse Project’s operations will expand in a collaborative garden at Carson Tahoe Health’s Regional Medical Center campus.

Foothill Garden will donate its year-round harvests to local seniors through Meals on Wheels.

“The Carson City Senior Center strives to serve wholesome food including fresh vegetables and herbs,” said Courtney Warner, director of Carson Senior Center. “We’re grateful to be receiving locally grown produce to help keep our seniors healthy.”

The Foothill Garden, projected to be completed this summer, will complement Carson Tahoe’s existing Creekside Garden on the west side of the Regional Medical Center campus, which already donates seasonal produce to The Eagle Valley Children’s Home.

“Healthcare is about keeping people well and not just treating them when they’re sick,” said Ed Epperson, president/CEO of Carson Tahoe Health. “This innovative collaboration allows our health system to work with The Greenhouse Project to engage the community in wellness education and promote health through a nutrient-rich diet.”

To learn more about Foothill Garden, visit www.carsontahoe.com/garden and to learn more about the Greenhouse Project, visit www.carsoncitygreenhouse.org. And, if you’re interested in supporting The Greenhouse Project, the organization’s ninth annual Concert Under the Stars featuring The Family Stone and Lydia Pense & Cold Blood is scheduled for July 12 at the Brewery Arts Center.

For event details or to purchase tickets, visit http://carsoncitygreenhouse.org/events/.