GET HEALTH DESOTO INC

A running program developed for novice runners that gets them ready for the Winter Flakes Race.

A program targeting fourth graders at the local elementary school that encourages walking to school. The program assigns volunteers to walk with the students during the morning.

De Soto Farmers’ Market, one of Get Healthy DeSoto’s most successful programs, was established in March 2009. It serves De Soto and the surrounding area and communities.
In De Soto, 15.6% of families live below the poverty level and, according to a needs assessment, conducted in 2007 by the Jefferson County Health Department and Get Healthy De Soto, only 22% of De Soto adults eat two or more fruits and vegetables per day. This is despite research indicating the positive impact of fruit and vegetable intake.
De Soto Farmers’ Market was established in large part to address the above needs and to increase access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce at the market is grown within a 75 mile radius of De Soto.
The market is a collaboration of Get Healthy De Soto, City of De Soto, Missouri Extension, Jefferson County Health Department and local farmers. It was the first and is the only farmers’ market in the De Soto region.
De Soto Farmers’ Market’s mission is “to provide access to fresh local produce and artisans in an environment that encourages healthy eating, healthy living and fosters community connections.”

Get Healthy DeSoto embraces the concept of community gardening and has established a community garden; the Vineland Herb Garden. We believe this will benefit individuals, local restaurant establishments, and the overall community.
We enthusiastically invite you to take part! The Vineland Herb Garden is located on Vineland School Rd., next to the Superintendent’s Office. There are several volunteers who work the beds, and Phil and Mary Ann Gebhardt help coordinate the work. In the case of the herb garden, we sell sponsorships for $50, $40, and $20 to cover expenses for each raised bed. The Garden Master handles most of the planting and maintenance, but people in the community are welcome to work in the beds whenever they have the time and interest. Also, people in the community can share in the harvest. Anyone in the community may stop by for herbs whenever they are in season, including local restaurants who would like to use the fresh herbs in their culinary pursuits.