The Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Mount Isa is helping up to 30 local teenagers each week learn about healthy eating and positive lifestyle choices through a new herb and vegetable garden initiative.
The PCYC Mount Isa, in partnership with North West Health and Hospital Service dietetic students, has initiated a unique educational ‘garden to plate’ project teaching young people about gardening and healthy meal planning on a budget.
Youth Club program manager Acting Sergeant Meaghan Drew alongside PCYC Social Program Co-ordinator Brad Cummings (both pictured below), converted a 3m x 3m sandpit space into a garden for the weekly Monday afternoon After Dark program.
The program attracts up to 30 young people every week, aged between eight and 17 years.
“Our aim is to deliver a positive pathway for kids by providing a safe and educational space to build practical skills, confidence and stronger community connections through a meaningful outlet such as a herb and vegetable garden,” Acting Sergeant Drew said.
“A lot of young people don’t have access to nutritious meals so we are educating them in everything from hygiene to creating healthy and tasty meals that they can help cook for their families at home.”
Acting Sergeant Drew said the dietetic students were also helping the young participants learn about healthy eating by developing nutritious menus featuring the herbs and vegetables grown in the garden.
“The dietetic students work with our kids to create recipes for affordable nutritious meals by using items from the garden and the kids are really engaged and excited to learn from the university students. They love seeing where the food comes from,” Acting Sergeant Drew said.
“It’s about equipping these kids with essential life skills to help them become youth community leaders as well as make positive life choices to support their wellbeing.
“The positive impact we have with the PCYC has a ripple effect; it’s an important part of our Queensland Police Service (QPS) work as we’re providing a vital community service and helping to make a difference in keeping our community safe.”
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