This spring and summer, families can take advantage of a free program where they grow their own food and then have fun harvesting and cooking it.

The new Age-Friendly Farm-to-Table gardening and cooking class kicks off March 4. People can grow their own food at a garden plot in Urbana Park District’s Meadowbrook Park. After they harvest the garden, they will use the new demonstration kitchen at Phillips Recreation Center to learn fun, healthy recipes. Everyone will then prepare the food and enjoy the fruits of their labors.

The first meeting is March 4, from 10 – Noon at Meadowbrook Park’s Garden Pavilion.

“This program is a great opportunity for generations to come together, get outside and do a fun activity,” said Jacob Johnston, Age-Friendly Resource Specialist. “The gardens are very close to Clark Lindsey in Urbana, so we hope people 50 and better take the opportunity to show us how to garden!”

The gardening and cooking class is open to people of all ages. “It’s free so people can sign up individually or as an entire family. We hope people will learn something new, make new friends and have fun,” Johnston added.

While the class is free, Johnston says people do need to sign up. They can do so online or by calling Urbana Park District at (217) 367-1544.

“We want everyone to know they belong at Urbana Park District, and we hope to see people of all ages and abilities take advantage of this free and fun class,” Johnston concluded.

People can learn more about this class by viewing a short video.