Building healthy habits through gardening in Nebraska
For adults who have developmental disabilities, access to nutritious food and social connection are essential to supporting health and independence. An investment from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Nebraska is helping expand the Farm to Table Gardening Club at Sheltering Tree, which offers apartment communities for adults with developmental disabilities in the Omaha area.
The Farm to Table Gardening Club began when one tenant wanted space to garden, then grew into a hands-on way for tenants to plant, grow and cook fresh produce while building practical skills together. It offers tenants an accessible way to try new foods by growing vegetables and learning how to use them in everyday meals. The program also fosters social connection through gardening activities, cooking demonstrations and learning sessions with community experts, including farmers and entomologists.
Funding from UnitedHealthcare is supporting the installation of greenhouses in three Sheltering Tree communities, enabling the Farm to Table Gardening Club to operate year-round, giving tenants more opportunities to practice healthy eating, strengthen life skills and build pathways to greater independence. Watch the video above to see Sheltering Tree tenants and UnitedHealthcare volunteers come together to kick off gardening activities at one of the new greenhouses.
"Building skills and creating opportunities for connection are key to supporting long-term independence and health. By expanding access to the Farm to Table Gardening Club, more tenants will be empowered to strengthen life skills, promote healthy eating habits and create pathways to greater independence.”
