ATLANTA (May 18, 2010) –Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Norcross) has joined efforts with Farmer D Organics to teach children about proper nutrition and gardening. Recently, two 5th districts schools worked with the Farmer D staff to install organic gardens. Minor Elementary is the first school in the district to start the program.
“Working with Farmer D and his staff has been a wonderful experience,” said Thompson. “This program will give children a hands-on experience with gardening, nutrition and being environmentally friendly. Kids will now have the opportunity apply the lessons they read about in science and health class.”
Farmer D Organics’ founder Daron “Farmer D’ Joffe created the program to teach children about being environmentally friendly and healthy foods through gardening. Teachers also have an opportunity to use the garden in a variety of lessons plans. Improving children’s eating habits have become an increasingly important issue with the rise of childhood obesity.
“About 37 percent of our children in Georgia are overweight or obese. This will bring devastating results to our health care system as these children age if their negative eating and exercise habits are not addressed,” said Thompson. “This program will do more than teach children about farming and the environment. These kids will know how accessible fresh healthy food is and how to prepare it.”
# # # #
Sen. Curt Thompson represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.463.1318 or by e-mail at curt.thompson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 18, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Press Director
Jennifer Kitt, Press Office Coordinator
Jennifer.Kitt@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028