THE DEVELOPMENT OF A KITCHEN GARDEN AT THE JOHN PAUL II CONVIVIALITY CENTRE IN MARINGÁ PR BRAZIL

  • Selson Garutti Cento Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
  • Fernanda Correia Spigolotti Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Keywords: Healthy food, Elderly people, Volunteers.

Abstract

Current research-action links the researcher and the participating subject to solve the problem involving the establishment and production of a kitchen garden at the John Paul II Conviviality Center in Maringá PR Brazil. The project’s aim is the change of feeding habits and the generation of occupational activities for the elderly. The methodology consisted of developing a kitchen garden comprising soil preparation, the delimitation of plots used for the planting of safe vegetables, fertilization of soil with organic manure, watering of plants, protection against pests and finally harvesting, with the total participation of the elderly. Volunteers, workers and elderly people living on the premise participated in the project. Data collected during weekly visits showed that when a section of the kitchen garden is developed, the elderly people’s interest is higher than before. Results show that the development of a kitchen garden in which healthy vegetables are cultivated without chemical products which do not put to risk the environment is healthy for the elderly inmates and for the institution’s staff since they enhance a healthy life style through occupational activities.

Author Biographies

Selson Garutti, Cento Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Drofessor de Antropologia & Filosofia.
Fernanda Correia Spigolotti, Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR
Licenciada em Ciências Biológicas pelo Centro Universitário de Maringá - CESUMAR.
Published
2011-11-01
Section
Artigos Originais