WELD – The Electronic Grange Network is looking for individuals of all ages interested in helping with its “5-a-Day, the Maine Way” nutrition program.

Helpers would share the gardening and the fruits (or vegetables, as the case may be) of their labors. Participation in the garden project could be an enjoyable, educational way for students to meet their community service requirements for school.

The aim of the program is to teach the importance of a balanced diet, which should include five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

A grant from the Maine Nutrition Network to the nonprofit Electronic Grange Network will assist in its continuing effort to create quality lifestyles and literacy skills in rural communities.

The “5-a-Day, the Maine Way” grant will help promote proper diet and nutrition using community gardens in Phillips and Weld, which were planted with a contribution from Johnny’s Selected Seeds.

The goal for the project is healthier living through nutrition education and eating healthier, locally grown vegetables, while teaching basic gardening skills that can be passed on from generation to generation in an effort to break the poverty cycle.

The network would also indirectly address the issue of obesity in children and adults through gardening activities and nutrition education programs.

The award-winning Electronic Grange Network (with awards from the Kellogg Foundation, the Maine Community Foundation and the Arcos Cielos Research Center in Sedona, Ariz.) is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Weld, serving low-income, rural consumers.

Those interested in becoming a partner in the project or those who need help with their garden can contact Anna at 585-2299 or visit http://www.electronicgrange.net for more information.

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