Sunday, August 22, 2010

Planting the seeds

I'm looking to get local organic/pesticide free produce out to low income pregnant mothers. As a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse, I see many babies that are born either early or sick. A large population of those babies are from low income families. Research has shown that diet plays an important part in growing a healthy baby. Low income families lose out on good nutrition and 'clean' food because it is expensive and not readily available to them.  My vision is to provide low income pregnant mothers with healthy, pesticide free local produce and teach them ways to prepare healthy meals. As a community, we can create sustainable, green, healthy babies before they are born.
The other day it occurred to me how much extra produce I grow in my little 200 sq ft garden. I know others must experience the same if not more. Can you imagine if all the extra produce was distributed to low income families?! We can decrease the number of babies that are born prematurely and/or with other illnesses. Santa Barbara, as a community can help grow healthy babies!


Please contact me if you are willing to help volunteer and/or willing to donate your extra produce. Also if you have any input regarding the project, I would love to hear it.