The summer season in Indiana brings a bounty of beautiful produce to farmers markets all over Hancock County. Hancock Health Wellness Center’s resident dietitian, Michelle Graves, is making it even easier for Hoosiers to bring home fresh, healthy, and delicious summer vegetables by tending to a community garden and offering the produce for free to wellness center members.

A community garden for all

It makes sense that a place touting wellness, fitness, and healthy living would include nutrition in the mix. In fact, all Hancock Health Wellness Centers have a dietitian on staff, ready to educate members about the benefits of a nutritious diet. The staff is always available for questions, and Graves is no different. However, she is taking things a step farther by teaming with Hancock County Master Gardeners to create a tangible lesson in health.

At the front entrance to the Hancock Health Wellness Center McCordsville, members can find fresh, free garden produce throughout the growing season, plucked directly from raised beds on the south side of the building. By offering these veggies, Graves hopes to inspire members to enjoy healthy and delicious meals together at home. She has even included recipes and hopes to one day hold cooking demos for interested members. 

Why fresh fruits and vegetables?

It was Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, who said “Let food be thy medicine.” In no uncertain terms, we are what we eat and the foods we use to fuel our bodies has a huge impact on our overall health and wellness. That means that food can also be used to help us heal, especially when we find ourselves in a health rut.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Including five servings a day of a wide range of colors and types of produce into your diet is a sure-fire way to keep your body healthy and strong, regardless of your age. Combining this with other healthy choices like whole grains and lean proteins can help to supercharge your health and lead you to crushing your healthy lifestyle goals such as:

• Weight management
• Disease management and prevention
• Stress reduction
• Improvements in mood
• Increased energy and more

Try some fresh produce or grow your own

Next time you come for a visit to the Hancock Health Wellness Center McCordsville, make sure to stop by the produce table for some garden-fresh treats. And if you feel inspired, plant your own home garden, or bring your produce to share with the community!