Perth Amboy 7/16/15  *Photos by Joe Bayona

Raritan Bay Medical Center Kicks-off The Learning Garden

News Release 6/11/15

PERTH AMBOY – Across the street from Raritan Bay Medical Center’s main entrance in Perth Amboy, volunteers, children and medical center engineering department staff constructed a container garden during the spring.  This new ‘Learning Garden’ will be used during the summer to educate children and adults, including hospital staff and their families, about the basics of gardening, and the importance of healthy produce and proper nutrition.

“Our department has for a long time wanted to make this type of experiential education available for our community, especially children.  Access and availability of healthy, nutritious and fresh produce; what we eat, is such an essential part of our overall health and well-being,” says Nina K. Regevik, MD, FACP, ABIHM, co-director of RBMC’s Integrative Health Services.  “The Learning Garden serves many purposes.  It will provide an opportunity for everyone to not only learn the basics of gardening and nutrition but also get some exercise, socialize and empower them to create their own gardens at home.”

The Integrative Health team’s idea for a garden education program became a reality after Dr. Regevik discussed the plan with her peers at the hospital, leading to the hospital’s medical staff donating funds to create the garden.  At about the same time, Master Gardener Connie Elek, wife of RBMC Foundation Board Treasurer James J. Elek, pledged her help with setting up the garden and providing education.  “Without the medical staff’s generous donation and Connie’s expertise and time, The Learning Garden would not be possible,” explained Dr. Regevik.  Dr. Regevik will also provide education about the nutritional and medicinal values of healthy and fresh produce.