Garden helps group combat lead poisoning
Prince of Peace Parish provides plot for needed greens
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Elba Santiago, left, gives a handful of collard greens to a fellow gardener at the Prince of Peace Parish garden plot, located across the alley from the south side church.
(Catholic Herald photo by Sam Lucero)
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This summer, Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz Parish brought to life its role of feeding the soul through an outreach effort designed to support healthy eating for children in its south side neighborhood.
Partnering with the 16th Street Community Clinic, the parish dedicated a small plot of land adjacent to the church for use as a community garden. The idea was initiated by Elba Santiago, a member of the 35-member group Southside Parents Against Lead.
Santiago’s son and other children in the area have high levels of lead in their bodies. In order to reduce those levels, a diet of fresh, green, vitamin-rich foods is highly recommended. Since the cost of buying fresh greens was cost prohibitive for many, the group sought out lots in the area where they could establish a garden.
Santiago approached Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz and the garden bounty produced this summer is keeping kids healthy and bringing a community together.
To learn more about the Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz Community Garden, read this week's Catholic Herald featured article.
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