Many families struggle to find time to connect with each other in meaningful ways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2019) outlines the importance of this connection, stating that teens who felt connected to family are 65% less likely to use illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs as adults. The study also found that alongside the feeling of family connection, these same teens were 51% less likely to have experienced physical violence as adults within the past year of when survey results were collected. The connection we offer through family support has significant impacts on health outcomes.
So how do we connect? Consider getting your hands in the dirt together!
Food gardening as a family activity can be a fulfilling experience that promotes bonding, learning, and healthy living. It offers an opportunity for family members of all ages to work together, fostering teamwork and cooperation. Working in the garden conveys valuable skills such as responsibility, patience, and environmental awareness while participating in planting, caring for, and harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables. Connecting to nature and a deeper appreciation for where food comes from can lead to healthier eating habits and reduced food waste. Furthermore, engaging in food gardening as a family creates memorable experiences and strengthens relationships through shared time outdoors, meaningful conversations, and the satisfaction of growing and enjoying homegrown produce together.
When planning your garden this year, check out these garden planning resources. Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County is available to help you through all stages of garden success, starting with testing your soil for safe and optimal growing conditions. Email herkimer@cornell.edu if you have any questions.
A reliable favorite in our home garden is carrots. Here is a growing guide on them for your garden, and here is the carrot produce cycle specific for Herkimer County. Carrots provide an excellent source of beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A to protect healthy skin, bones, and the immune system. Carrots also provide a fair source of vitamin C, niacin, and B6. Vitamin C is essential for protecting our oral health, as well as the health of our skin. Niacin and B6 are essential for our body’s energy production, while also supporting the health of our hair, skin, muscle, and nerve tissue. These delicious vegetables provide a solid addition to your food garden, providing disease fighting nutrients, and a colorful sidekick to any meal. Consider the recipe below to make carrots a normal part of your recipe rotations.
Cameron Burke is part of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County team. She’s an advocate for nutrition security and sustainable food systems, believing in the power of human connections, education, and grit to build resilient food systems. Cameron has committed herself to fostering bonds between communities and their food, promoting local farmers, artisans, and producers for their invaluable contributions. Her passion for food and community drives positive change and meaningful connections in the local food movement.
Adolescent Connectedness and Adult Health Outcomes | CDC. 2019
Article published April 22, 2024.
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