Summer Garden
Learn to Grow and Harvest in our Gardening Program
The Food for Health gardens were started to not only offset our annual food budget, but also so we can continue to educate and train teens about the benefits of organic gardening and healthy eating. In 2021 Food for Health gardens produced over 2500 pounds of vegetables! Would you like to help us reduce our food bill while learning to grow organic vegetables with a fun team?
Where We Garden
We currently are partnering with Mooseheart Child City and School in Batavia to expand our gardening program. Mooseheart is a home for children and teens in need from infancy to high school. The Mooseheart campus contains large garden plots and a greenhouse.
Our Gardening Team
Our gardening team includes master gardeners, dietitians and skilled home gardeners working together to grow, harvest and teach teens and adults about organic gardening, healthy food preparation, food safety and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables.
Volunteers Needed
We welcome all teen and adult volunteers regardless of skill level. No previous gardening experience is required. Volunteers can help with all aspects of the gardening process – preparing the fields, planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, etc. After you have applied to be a volunteer at Fox Valley Food for Health, we will share a signup link with you so you can pick any days that work with your schedule.
Group Opportunity
Are you part of a team, company or organization who would like to give back to your community? The Food for Health gardens are a great place for groups! Contact susane@fvffh.org to get a list of dates that are available.
What You Should Bring & Wear
Garden gloves, water, and garden tools (such as clippers, a small Japanese hoe or digging tool, or anything that weeds). If you don’t have any of these tools, don’t worry – just make sure you have your own gloves & water. Sunscreen, hats and old shoes are helpful too.
Directions to Mooseheart
Mooseheart is on Rt. 31 in Batavia. It’s on the west side of the road just north of Mooseheart Rd. When you enter you must stop at the Guard Shack and provide your name to the attendant. Follow ahead to the statue of the man and child. Take the left around the circle and take Child’s Dream for two blocks. You will pass Brookline and the next stop sign is Friendship lane, continue to greenhouse and garden will be on the left.
How do I volunteer?
Step 1: Complete the appropriate Volunteer Application:
Step 2: Volunteers over 18 need to complete a background check with Sterling Volunteers.

