Stilwell Public Library recently received a Health Literacy Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and Institute of Museum and Library Services that will offer education for the community on growing their own food and healthy eating habits.

This grant will also help fund the following:

• The Fresh Start Program — hands-on planning, shopping, and cooking tips for healthy eating and daily physical activity presented by the OSU Extension office.
• The Grow With Us Program — working with local growers, participants will learn the process of building a garden from start to finish, daily care, harvesting and preparing foods for consumption.
• The Teen Cuisine Program — hands-on cooking that teaches students in grades 8-12 important life skills for smart eating. The OSU Extension will present the classes and ingredients will be provided.

In addition, the library will introduce healthy foods from the community garden or local growers during preschool and children’s programs.

The library estimates it will be ready to begin the garden in January with related programs beginning soon thereafter, and it will have the garden growing strong and ready for more programs to begin in April. Follow the library on Facebook or visit eols.org/events to find out about upcoming programs.