In an effort to promote healthy eating, Molina Healthcare hosted a free herb planting class and cooking demonstration for 25 students at Jerry L. White Center High School, a center-based special education school for students ages 14-19 with disabilities in Detroit. Participants were shown by Molina staff how to grow their own basil and parsley herbs. The class also included a cooking demonstration showing the students how to make tomato basil sauce using the fresh.
Each student received two planter kits, which included pots, gardening gloves, soil and basil and parsley herb seeds. Upon completion of the class, each attendee was given a recipe card and instructions on how to care for their herb plants at home.
March is National Nutrition Month and childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the Children’s Defense Fund, nearly one in three children in Michigan aged 10-17 were considered overweight or obese in 2012. Children can improve their health by making simple changes in their diets like replacing salt with herbs such as basil and parsley. These herbs can provide health benefits such as improved blood flow, lowered cholesterol and essential nutrients for a healthier heart.
Photo caption: Molina Healthcare’s cat doctor mascot, Dr. Cleo, helps Patricia, a Jerry L. White student, plant basil during the Molina-led herb planting class.
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