Members of a garden called "Project Grows" are working to fight obesity.

Project Grows Coordinator Ryan Blosser is happy to see the vision of his organization's garden in Verona come to fruition.

“I love to grow food,” said Blosser. “I love to get my hands dirty, and I love to see kids in here getting excited about doing the same.”

He and his team of volunteers and kids planted healthy food, including cantaloupe, lettuce and cucumber. It is all in an effort to teach kids about healthy eating and how to do it yourself.

“Some of these kids don't know what that is. To see that light, it's like, 'Wow, that's it. That's the connection we're looking for.'”

The food from the garden goes to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. They hand it out to local organizations, like the Boys and Girls Club.

Volunteer Sam Bernstain said seeing kids light up when they are learning is part of the fun.

“Especially here, it seems, everybody's really into it,” said Bernstain. “They complain a little bit, but they get right into it and love it, and it's awesome to watch.”

Workers also plan to give nutrition talks to kids to teach them about eating healthy.

“To connect kids to the food can get kids eating healthier,” said Blosser. “That connection's going to start right here in the dirt.”

The garden's organizers hope to fill the entire 10-acre garden soon and keep it running for the next 30 years. It is funded through nearly $100,000 worth of grants.

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