Creating Healthy Schools and Communities Funding Supports the Garden at the Institute for Family Health Walton Family Health Center

Joseph Ellis, Kelly Moltzen and Sean Butler were given a tour of the Institute for Family Health's Walton Family Health center rooftop garden, led by Rosanna Medina.

Bronx Health REACH’s Creating Healthy Schools & Communities (CHSC) program provided funding to build a rooftop garden at the Institute for Family Health's Walton Family Health Center, to promote wellness and healthy living for staff and patients. When some Bronx Health REACH staff visited the rooftop garden in July, the garden was filled with strawberries, vegetables and herbs ready to be picked. 'Growing fruits, vegetables and herbs on the health center’s rooftop is an excellent way to engage staff and patients in healthy living practices,' said Kelly Moltzen, Program Manager for Creating Healthy Schools and Communities at Bronx Health REACH. She noted, 'The fresh produce is easily seen and very accessible, which encourages staff to enjoy the garden, use the fruits and herbs to make infused water, and model healthy practices for patients. The infused water is a great alternative to sugary beverages. Another exciting part of this garden is that it’s used by Walton’s teen food justice group, encouraging the younger generation to eat fresh produce and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.'

IFH Staff member Rosanna Medina gave a tour of the garden to Bronx Health REACH staff and shared her excitement about the garden. “I have a green thumb so I really enjoy coming out to the garden every day. I am part of the watering committee and it is amazing to see how quickly the garden has grown since it was built in June.”