A cohort of 22 student gardeners have graduated from a Department of Health workshop.

The members of the Grow Eat Save course will enjoy exclusive access until August to alternative garden plots that they were provided with. The workshop also provides a full year of expert guidance on planting and harvesting.

The class is free of charge thanks to the support of chaplain Kevin Santucci, facilitator and instructor, and the commitment of volunteer plot leaders who have progressed to become teachers.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, who graduated from the workshop, said: “I was pleased to be part of the latest gardening workshop cohort — the experience was incredibly enriching.

“I gained a wealth of knowledge about the earth and soil, had fun and relished every moment of engaging with the plot leader and fellow team members.

“Grow Eat Save has energised all participants, boosting their daily consumption of fruits and vegetables to meet the crucial goal of five servings daily. This is essential for preventing, alleviating or managing chronic diseases impacting the people of Bermuda.”

In April, 94 per cent of people who completed the programme reported increasing their efforts to include more fruits and vegetables in their diet. Among them, 69 per cent now regularly consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, while 25 per cent are actively working towards reaching that goal.

Ms Wilson added: “Community gardens are known to break down barriers by improving society's acceptance of, and perception towards, fruits and vegetables.

“The Ministry of Health is dedicated to providing the people of Bermuda with the tools they need to maintain good health and to move our community towards a sustainable future.”

The programme provides support from facilitators, including the Bermuda National Trust, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Extension Programme from the University of Tennessee.

It is sponsored by the Department of Health, the Bermuda Agricultural Group, the Department of Parks, Bermuda Green Thumb, Animal and Garden and Water Trucking Services.

One extra gardening class has been scheduled via WebEx for November 28 at 5.30pm. Past workshop participants interested in attending can register by calling 278-6467.

Anyone interested in joining the next Grow Eat Save gardening workshop in September 2024 can e-mail a request to nutrition@gov.bm, providing a phone number and e-mail address.

• UPDATE: This article was updated after the Government of Bermuda provided new information for gardening workshop participants to register for the extra class.