Deserts are just as bad as they sound.
They’re in an area of land where there’s little to no precipitation. They’re often hot and humid. That alone makes living conditions hostile for plant and animal life. The lack rainwater causes, no food, no vegetation, and makes it difficult for survival.
Food deserts, different but similar, are just as unpleasant. They’re located in neighborhoods belong to Miami’s most disadvantaged. These communities have no access to fresh fruits and vegetables. These areas also need help when it comes to health education and exercise programs. That’s why the Health in the Hood urban gardens are vital in communities where there are food deserts. The mission of health in the hood is to provide health and wellness opportunities to impoverished communities.
The Miami Dolphins organization believes in the benefits of helping the community. That’s why they partnered with the AARP’s Special Teams Community Service Academy Foundation. The two together this week helped in beautifying a Liberty City garden.
Liberty City is one of three areas in Miami where there are food deserts. The Dolphins rookies assisted with beautifying the garden with many different activities. Some of these activities included weeding, bed clearing, soil replenishment and planting.
“It’s my first time actually planting, picking up all that types of stuff,” Dolphins first-round pick, offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil said. “It’s a good thing to come out here and help these kids because these kids go through a lot. To see some football players come out here and engage with them, it’s pretty good. I like to see kids having a smile on their face.”
The volunteers work hard to help make this community a better place. It’s also encouraging for children to see professional athletes help to give back. The community in Liberty City got to see athletes care about their surrounding community.
“I have this amazing group of guys out here working their tails off, helping us replenish the gardens, adding soil, planting peppers, collard greens and lettuce. It means everything. We’ve got tons of kids out here that couldn’t be more excited to have this great group of kids out there with us,” Health in the Hood Executive Director Asha Loring said. “They say about gardens: your mind is free and your hands are busy. It’s a really good opportunity for people to get in touch with their community, really give back. It’s an easy, fun project.”
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