Thanks to the leadership of a diverse, collaborative partnership, Black Mountain’s community garden initiative visibly supports healthy eating. At the three gardens (two located at elementary schools), children and adults grow fresh produce and learn about healthy food preparation. Over 9,000 pounds of produce was distributed to local families in 2007. The two major grocery stores provide regular nutrition education and promote healthy choices, while Parks and Recreation requires its events to provide healthy food options. Town policies ensure compact development and a connected network of sidewalks and greenways, enabling residents to be physically active. Additionally, over 75% of local restaurants are voluntarily tobacco-free.
Fit Community Grant Project:
The Town of Black Mountain received a Fit Community grant in 2007 to expand its existing community garden into a new satellite garden at a local elementary school. Garden activities integrate with innovative school nutrition programs that include classroom study on the science of gardening and evening demonstrations of healthy cooking for children and their parents. These efforts ultimately aim to instill healthy eating habits among school children and their families.
