Residents of APAH's Columbia Grove Apartments are seeing their hard work bloom in the newly created community gardens on the property. 17 households, including 17 adults and 19 children, are growing tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, green peppers, oregano and cilantro. Later this month, they plan to plant fall crops, such as salad greens, beets, and brussels sprouts.

The garden is a partnership between APAH and American University. The idea stems from resident feedback during resident focus groups conducted in January 2014. Through these focus groups, residents shared their own goals for enhancing their personal and family health, as well as the health of the community.  

The garden is a great way for residents to benefit from physical activity, spending time outdoors, eating healthy and gaining easy access to fresh vegetables. In conjunction with the garden, enrolled residents are participating in nutrition education classes that include cooking demonstrations, a grocery store tour, and recipe planning.