Leaders from the American Heart Association, Coppin State University and the University of Maryland Medical System recently celebrated the opening of the revitalized community garden on Coppin State's campus.
The revitalization of the Coppin State garden is a significant milestone in the American Heart Association’s efforts to enhance nutrition security and support access to healthy food in under-resourced urban and rural communities in Maryland.
“As the American Heart Association embarks on its Second Century, our commitment to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere remains unwavering. One crucial way we achieve this is by addressing food and nutrition insecurity in our communities,” Tracy Brazelton, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Baltimore & Greater Maryland division, stated.
“A healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is a proven path to strong cardiovascular health and overall well-being. However, we must ensure that more people have access to these nutritious foods to help prevent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke,” she added.
The community garden at Coppin State University will provide access to fresh produce that may be hard to find or expensive in local stores, helping to overcome barriers to healthy eating.
Coppin administration plans to make fresh produce from the garden available at its on-campus food resource center, Coppin Corner. Launched in spring 2023, Coppin Corner provides essential food and supplies to all students.
“The Community Garden will do more than just supply fresh, campus-grown produce. It also offers students valuable opportunities to engage in nutrition education, participate in service-learning projects, and become actively involved in the gardening process. This collaboration enhances both their academic experience and promotes healthy lifestyle choices, fostering their holistic development,” said Dorothy Parrish-Harris, Assistant Vice President and Dean of Students at Coppin State University.
This project marks the first of several AHA community gardens to be launched or revitalized with support from University of Maryland Medical System.
“At University of Maryland Medical System, we are committed to the health of our communities. That means not just addressing physical health, but addressing social determinants of health like nutrition security,” said Dr. Esa Davis, Associate Vice President for Community Health at UMMS.
“Nutrition security goes beyond simply having enough food; it encompasses access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods that support overall health and well-being,” she added.
In Baltimore, approximately 22.2% of residents are food insecure, equating to an annual meal gap of 24 million meals, according to Maryland Hunger Solutions, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives that address nutrition security and promote equitable access to healthy foods.
Plans are underway to open gardens in southern Harford County by spring 2025 and the Eastern Shore in 2026.
