A nonprofit garden in Summit County is acting as an outdoor classroom to teach children and families about food sources and healthy eating habits. Executive Director Helen Nadal, who leads the nonprofit, was recently surprised with a Pay It Forward award by KUTV and Mountain America Credit Union for her work in the community.
The garden provides hands-on experiences such as picking fresh herbs, pulling carrots from the ground, and tasting onion flowers. Nadal stated that she feels she has the best job in all of Summit County through this work.
Beyond education, the organization manages a 1.5-acre site featuring 130 community plots. The garden serves as a demonstration site for food growing and acts as a resource for the food pharmacy. The organization also hosts various programs, including a summer camp and a Dinners in the Garden series featuring local entities like Twisted Fern and Loma.
The nonprofit has demonstrated significant community engagement and financial support. A previous Farm to Fork fundraiser held at the Pendry Park City rooftop deck raised $58,000. The organization has also engaged hundreds of volunteers and utilized scholarships to support campers. During winter months, the organization aims to engage approximately 400 children monthly through school programs.
