BronxCare Health System

Community Garden and Chef in the Garden Grant Promoting Nutrition

Dr. David Ferris, Medical Director, Ambulatory Care/ Population Health (center), with (LtoR): Arlington Malone, Community Health Worker, Population Health; and Diana Malkin-Washeim, Director, Nutritional Services, Population Health.
Dr. David Ferris, Medical Director, Ambulatory Care/ Population Health (center), with (LtoR): Arlington Malone, Community Health Worker, Population Health; and Diana Malkin-Washeim, Director, Nutritional Services, Population Health.

The Garden of Eden, a community garden located at 1660 Weeks Ave. (near the BronxCare Health and Wellness Center), is providing a farmers market tour every Thursday. Tour leaders, including Arlington Malone, Community Health Worker, Population Health, teach nutrition and seasonal buying, as well as bring participants to the garden. “We are making significant progress in improving the overall health of the community, and that is a source of pride for us,” stated Mr. Malone. At the Community Garden, participants share in the maintenance and growth of fresh fruit and vegetables. “Our garden offers the opportunity to plant and eat herbs and vegetables, which supplement the body with minerals, vitamins, and fiber, most important for a nutritious diet and disease prevention,” stated Diana Malkin-Washeim, Director, Nutritional Services, Population Health.

This community garden is a collaborative effort that includes BronxCare, Garden of Eden, and Garden of Life Community Gardens organizations. “Having a garden, such as this one available for patients and the community offers physical, mental health, and nutritional benefits most important to overall wellness,” stated Dr. David Ferris, Medical Director, Ambulatory Care/Population Health. He also emphasized the need for “everyone to own their own health by being an active participant, thereby facilitating the connection between gardening, sustainability, and growth.” 

The Department of Dentistry has also received a multi-year “Chef in the Garden” multidisciplinary grant to promote nutrition and oral health. It is providing funding that has allowed Celebrity Chef Amy Chaplin to teach hands-on cooking classes to dental and medical residents, and also provide community cooking demonstrations. Dr. Evelyn Tejeda, Attending, Pediatric Dentistry, is the coordinator of this culinary medicine and dental program.