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Many senior citizens remember the days when every home had a garden, and people shared their bounty.
Paris Healthcare Center is revisiting that era with its first Garden Share program. Gardeners with an abundance of produce will be encouraged to bring in their goods, which are given away to eligible seniors.
“I had seen where another town had offered this and it went very well and thought, why not Paris?” says George McGilvrey, director of marketing at Paris Healthcare Center. The idea was shared with department heads and administration and everyone felt that it would be a great service to area seniors.
Garden Share is described as a free farmers market.
“Many times, people who garden have more than they can consume, and why not share with those who are in need?” said McGilvrey. “We wanted to help facilitate that type of community giving.”
The program has two main goals: to promote healthful eating among seniors and to eliminate waste from gardens.
Paris Healthcare Center will have an awning with some tables for folks to drop off produce and pickup.
Growers from across the area are invited to drop off vegetables, fruit, herbs and nuts – anything that’s homegrown. However, baked goods and jams can’t be accepted because of safety concerns. Rummage items won’t be allowed, either.
Produce will be accepted Mondays through Thursdays. PHC staff will monitor produce and dispose of anything that is not used in a timely manner.
Area seniors on a fixed income are eligible to choose produce at no charge.
