Stewart Lodge SRS

'Going green' An edible community garden project at Stewart Lodge Supported Residential Service, Brunswick.

Stewart Lodge is a Supported Residential Service in Brunswick accommodating 80 men and women living with mental illness, physical/intellectual disability, Acquired Brain Injury, or drug/alcohol dependency. A recent health screen indicated a majority of residents are experiencing Vitamin D deficiency, and range of health issues such as diabetes.  A number of initiatives have already been implemented at Stewart Lodge to help combat these problems.  As an extension of these initiatives, MCHS plans to develop an 'Edible Garden' at Stewart Lodge, involving up to 80 residents in the planning, maintenance and utilisation of the garden.  The benefits of the edible garden will be multiple; including the opportunity for residents to interact socially, better access to healthy food, skill development in both planting and cooking the produce, increased physical activity through tending the garden and an opportunity to increase their Vitamin D intake through being outside in the sun.