11 million American Children struggle with food insecurity.
– American Heart Association
The Urgent Need to Address Child Hunger in America
Growing a garden on your apartment balcony is a fun, simple, and practical way to combat food insecurity in America. That’s why Meals in Motion, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is proud to share with you the steps on how to make your own Balcony Vegetable Garden.
According to the American Heart Association, 37 million Americans struggle with hunger and food insecurity, including 11 million children. This is unacceptable, we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food. That’s why in this article we will empower you to act. Our goal is to teach you the skills to grow fresh, healthy food in your own home.
By growing your own food, you won’t only improve your health and well-being. You’ll also help reduce food waste and save money on groceries. That’s not even the best part. Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity that the whole family can enjoy!
Fresh Produce and Improved Health: What the Experts Say
At Meals in Motion, we believe that access to fresh, healthy food is essential for good health and well-being. Not only does it provide the body with vital nutrients and energy, but it also helps prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
According to the American Heart Association, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can reduce risk of heart disease. Eating a healthy diet can also help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. In fact, the AHA recommends that adults consume at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day.
Unfortunately many families facing food insecurity, don’t have regular access to fresh fruits and produce. This can lead to a diet that’s high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars. Eating this diet constantly can contribute to poor health consequences.
That’s why growing your own food is so important. By having fresh, healthy produce right at your fingertips, you can ensure that you and your family are getting the nutrients you need to thrive. Plus, you’ll save money on groceries and reduce your carbon footprint by eating locally grown food.
Growing a Garden on Your Balcony: A Step-by-Step Guide
One of the best ways to ensure a steady supply of fresh produce is to grow your own garden. Contrary of many beliefs this can be done effectively, even if you live in an apartment with limited space. By growing a garden on your balcony, you can enjoy the benefits of fresh, healthy food without the need for a large plot of land.
To get started, you’ll need to build a garden that fits on an average apartment balcony. One method is to create a container garden using pots, hanging baskets, or planters. You can also use a vertical garden system, which allows you to grow plants vertically using shelves, trellises, or a wall-mounted system.
Here are some step-by-step instructions for setting up and maintaining your balcony garden:
- Choose your plants. Depending on your climate and the amount of sunlight your balcony receives. You can grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Some easy-to-grow options for beginners include cherry tomatoes, lettuce, basil, and strawberries.
- Choose your containers, be sure your containers are large enough to support the root system of your plants. Add rocks to the bottom for proper drainage to prevent water buildup. You can build your own box with wood, or use plastic tubs/containers that fit in your available space.
- Add soil and organic fertilizer. Use a high-quality vegetable garden mix that’s rich in nutrients and drains easily. You can also add compost for additional nutrients. (click here for link to LA Sanitation Free Compost Container)
- Pick your vegetables or fruit and follow instructions to germinate the seed. Once ready plant your seeds or seedlings. Follow the instructions on your seed packets or plant labels for proper spacing and planting depth. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Water and feed according to recommended amounts per plant. Make sure to water your plants regularly but not to over water. Pay close attention to sunlight, especially during hot and dry weather. Enjoy!
The Power of Community: How Balcony Gardens Bring People Together
Aside from providing fresh produce, the benefits to growing a balcony garden are countless. One of the most significant benefits worth noting is reducing food waste. When you grow your fruits and vegetables, you only harvest what you need, minimizing waste from unused or spoiled produce. If there’s extra, you can even practice helping others and provide a neighbor in need with some fresh produce!
Moreover, growing a balcony garden can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride. Watching your plants grow and thrive can be a rewarding experience, that can be shared with the whole family. Harvesting your own food can give you a sense of satisfaction and independence, that can grow into other self-sufficient ideas.
Research has also shown that gardening can have positive effects on mental health. Engaging in gardening activities can reduce stress and improve mood. Many studies have shown that exposure to green spaces can have therapeutic benefits, that go beyond eating the food.
Stories of Success: How Balcony Gardens Have Changed Lives
There are many success stories of people who have improved their health and food security through balcony gardening. One such story is that of Maria, a single mother who struggled to provide healthy meals for her children. With the help of a local gardening program, Maria learned how to grow a variety of vegetables on her apartment balcony. Not only did this provide her family with fresh produce, but it also gave them a new hobby to enjoy together and improved their overall health and well-being.
Join The Movement: Donate to Help End Child Hunger
As we’ve discussed in this article, food insecurity is a serious problem in America, particularly for children. Access to fresh, healthy food is essential for a balanced diet and good health. Meals in Motion, a 501c(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to fighting food insecurity and ending child hunger. One way we can achieve this is by encouraging people to grow their own food, even in small spaces like a balcony.
Balcony gardens not only provide fresh produce, but they also offer additional benefits like reducing waste, providing a sense of accomplishment, and improving mental health. By following our step-by-step guide, you can create your own balcony garden and start reaping the rewards of fresh, home-grown food.
In conclusion, growing a balcony garden is a great way to combat food insecurity and improve your health. It’s just one of the many ways that Meals in Motion is working to end child hunger. We encourage you to give it a try and share your experiences with others. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
At Meals in Motion, we believe that every child deserves access to nutritious food. We rely on the support of donors and sponsors to help us achieve our mission. If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of children in need, we encourage you to visit our donate page and make a contribution. Your donation can help provide assistance to a child in need and help us fight food insecurity in America.
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