Dania Beach, FL- The annual Earth Day Festival will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Dania Beach PATCH. The event will include over 10 eco-friendly activities and nearly 20 participating vendors will be in attendance. The festival is free of charge and will also feature a ladybug release by Love Our Nation, infused water activity by Heal the Planet, and an aromatherapy workshop by the Banyan House, all free of charge.

“The Dania Beach PATCH Earth Day Festival is a fun, informative, and interactive event to learn about environmentally-friendly and health conscious practices,” said CRA Executive Director, Rickelle Williams.

Other activities include a Zero Waste Discussion by Everything Earth Tribe, a bounce house for the kids, tours of the PATCH garden, seeding activities, scavenger hunt, and games on the green for children and families. During the Zero Waste lecture, attendees will learn practical steps to generate less waste in their daily lives, make their own products and more.

*The Zero Waste class is free, but it is $10 to make a bin in person – worms, guides, and bedding will be provided for the bins. Donations are accepted for the low-waste lecture.

About the PATCH
The City of Dania Beach has been recognized as a food desert in Broward County, lacking access to fresh and healthy food options. As part of its mandate to remove blighted conditions associated with the city, The Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency transformed a vacant lot into what is now called the Dania Beach PATCH (People’s Access to Community Horticulture). The PATCH provides a source of affordable, accessible and sustainably fresh and locally grown produce.
The PATCH Market and Garden are open every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and weekly from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Interested vendors can call 954-993-6401 for more information. Visit the PATCH online for event updates, PATCH sales and volunteer opportunities on www.thepatchgarden.com

Dania Beach, FL- On Saturday August 19th from 9AM – 1PM, The PATCH Urban Farm and Market will celebrate ‘Back to School’ by hosting a free event for the community helping parents gear up for a successful school year. As part of the celebration, Art N Soul, among others will be providing a free backpack giveaway while supplies last as well as numerous other activities. The ‘Back to School Bash’ serves as a kickoff to the new school year.

“We know summer can be a stressful time for parents, and we’re here to help. We want the children in the community to be excited for a fresh start to the new school year,” states Kathleen Weekes, Interim Executive Director of the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (DBCRA).

The PATCH is located at 1201 West Dania Beach Blvd and event activities will include:

• PATCH Market (open from 9AM – 1PM; always providing 50% off on all EBT sales)
• Bounce House Fun!
• FREE Backpack Giveaway (while supplies last) sponsored by Art N Soul
• FREE Haircuts
• FREE Food Giveaway sponsored by Kiwanis
• Minute-to-Win-It Games to Win School Supplies
• Market Sales
• Kid’s Activities and Games
• Food Demonstrations
• Educational Activities and Much More!

Organizational partners for this event include: the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Dania Beach Kiwanis, Art n Soul, TOUCH, the Broward Regional Health Planning Council (BRHPC) and Love our Nation.

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday of the month the

PATCH hosts special family events. For more information call 954-993-6401 or visit www.thepatchgarden.com

Dania Beach, FL – The PATCH Apprenticeship Training Program (PATP), a forty-hour program, is a collaborative effort championed by the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, Broward Regional Health Council, SURG Consulting, LLC and PATCH CAN.  The program will kick-start on Saturday July 15^th, 2017 offering opportunities for six qualified participants to receive a paid apprenticeship. The application deadline is June 30^th by 5PM and interested persons should email Jaime Castoro at JCastoro@BRHPC.org outlining why you are interested in the apprenticeship, what experience, if any, you have in farming and what qualities you think you will bring to the team.

“This is a great opportunity for the right individual to have an immersive experience in the operation of an organic farm and market. Our promise to you is thorough training of all farm tasks, a safe and welcoming environment, opportunities to learn from other farmers with different systems, and opportunities to assist at the farmer’s markets and with PATCH sponsored community activities,” states Rachel Bach, Dania Beach CRA Executive Director.

Class days are every Saturday and Sunday beginning on Saturday, July 15^th through Sunday, August 6^th from 7:30AM – 1:30PM. This program has been specifically designed for the PATCH Farm and Market with hopes to train individuals for Dania Beach and other cities looking to launch similar projects.  This first of its kind in Broward County Apprenticeship Program will provide participants the opportunity to discover how food production connects communities and builds health and wellness; how to select, grow and harvest crops; about market operations and how to maximize harvests; and how to supply fresh local produce to your community. Through this Apprenticeship, participants will develop the job skills that could lead to employment at local farmer’s markets and urban farms or nurseries.

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3^rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events.   For more information call 954-993-6401.

Dania Beach, FL – On Saturday June 17^th from 9AM – 1PM, the PATCH Urban Farm and Market celebrates and honors the volunteers that have ‘dug in’ and made a difference in the community. Between the months of January – May 2017, volunteers have contributed 743.5 hours at the PATCH, a testament to the dedication of the community in providing a network of secure, healthy food sources. During the event, top volunteers will be awarded shirts and prizes honoring their tireless efforts in maintaining the PATCH Garden and its fresh, healthy, and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables.

“The PATCH provides a platform for education, cultural growth, community participation and economic development. Our volunteers are passionate about access to local, healthy and affordable food, offering their time, expertise and philanthropic giving to create more sustainable communities, and we’re proud to support their volunteer and charitable efforts,” states Rachel Bach, Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director.

There are numerous ways volunteers can get involved in the PATCH. Gardening volunteers assist by planting, mulching, spreading dirt, weeding, cutting grass, and cleaning up at the PATCH. Greenmarket volunteers help with at-market promotions like cooking demonstrations, kid’s activities, and community outreach. In addition, the PATCH offers a variety of soft skills volunteer opportunities to include programs for youth focused on entrepreneurship and community engagement. To volunteer your time, sign up online here: http://www.handsonbroward.org/register.

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3^rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events.   For more information call 954-993-6401.

Dania Beach, FL (May, 2017) – The Dania Beach PATCH Urban Farm and Market has been nominated for the 2017 Kids Crown Best Farmer’s Market in Broward County. This annual contest is sponsored by South Florida Parenting Magazine with various categories throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The PATCH was nominated by readers, who live, work and play in the tri-county area. The ballot is divided into FOUR major sections: Family Outings & Activities, Important Matters, Family Eating and Family Shopping & Services. Readers may vote for as many categories as they would like ONCE per hour.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated by our loyal customers and family’s in Broward County as the Best Farmer’s Market in Broward County,” states Rachel Bach, Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director. “The PATCH is the ideal candidate for this nomination since we are dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections between all residents of the community, including gardeners, educators, students, family’s and researchers on things pertaining to gardening and community health while providing opportunities to strengthen neighborhoods, improve access to nutritious foods, and enjoy family fun activities. We encourage everyone to vote for us as the Best Farmer’s Market in Broward County!”

The PATCH hosts numerous family-friendly activities and events and has become the primary destination for environmental and health education. The PATCH also provides opportunities for adult and children’s education, through workshops, it’s community garden and field trips and tours for local schools and organizations in order to utilize the garden as a mechanism to introduce students to science, environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship.

The PATCH Farm and Market is located at 1201 W. Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, FL. The market is open to the public every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and every 3rd Saturday of the month the PATCH hosts special family events. For more information call 954-993-6401.

Voting started at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 1 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 17. Click here to vote: http://tiflorida.secondstreetapp.com/l/2017-Kids-Crown-Voting.

Dania Beach, FL- On Saturday January 16th, 2016 from 9AM – 3 PM, The PATCH Urban Farm and Market will host its ‘Get Fit for the New Year’ Event to foster healthy food access and lifestyles within the Dania Beach community.  As part of the celebration, BANANA WAVE®, a gluten and dairy-free bananamilk beverage will officially launch their revolutionary product in support of healthy New Year resolutions. “It is no coincidence that Banana Wave has chosen to launch at The PATCH. As a black owned business, Neter has truly shown his commitment to the African American community and hopes to inspire folks to change eating habits and empower change and pride within the community.  What a fitting message to honor Dr. King on this important weekend,” states Rachel Bach Executive Director of the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

The PATCH is located at 1201 West Dania Beach Blvd and event activities will include:

• PATCH Market (open from 9AM – 1PM; always providing 50% off on all EBT sales)
• FREE Samples and Giveaways from BANANA WAVE®
• BANANA WAVE® Ribbon Cutting and Product Launch Party
• Fitness Activities from Various Local Businesses
• Music
• PATCH Farm Tours
• Healthy Cooking Demonstrations
• Delicious BBQ
• Y-Fit Activities
• And Much More!

BANANA WAVE® is the only all-natural, 5-in-1 superfood made from bananas, grains and seeds and is packed with heart healthy ingredients, an abundance of vitamins and minerals, sufficient protein and fiber, along with more potassium than most alternative milk beverages. “The PATCH is our go to place for food, fun, farming and festivities and shares some very important core values that we embody at BANANA WAVE®. We are honored to have The PATCH Garden on this very important mission with us to ‘Make HUMANITY, HEALTHY, HAPPY & STRONG!’ and look forward to a lasting partnership,” states Neter “Nature” Alkebulan, founder of BANANA WAVE®. Bananamilk is low glycemic, low in sodium, has no cholesterol, 5 grams of healthy fat and is only 150 calories and unlike any other non dairy beverage on the market.
“Dedicated to promoting healthy living and environmental responsibility, we here at the PATCH are excited to get this product to the local community and begin selling BANANA WAVE® at the market regularly,” states Dion Taylor, Manager of the PATCH.

The name says it all: So join the wave at the PATCH on Saturday January 16th and feel the BANANA POWER! Come decked out in the color yellow and 12 lucky people could win their very own BANANA WAVE® bananamilk beverage, among other items!

More about The PATCH™ Urban Farm and Market can be found at www.thepatchgarden.com
To learn more about Banana Wave visit www.bananawave.com.

Broward Regional Health Planning Council’s (BRHPC) Partnerships Transforming Our Community’s Health (TOUCH) Initiative has begun an exciting and ambitious new project – Healthy Community Zones – through its CDC’s Partnership for Improving Community Health (PICH) funding.

After a rigorous selection process the following communities have been selected as the initial Healthy Community Zones:  1) Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale; 2) Dania Beach CRA and the City of Dania Beach; 3) Memorial Healthcare System Hallandale Beach; and 4) A section of unincorporated Broward County designated as the Broward Municipal Services District (BMSD). BRHPC congratulates those selected and is looking forward to many successes over the next several years as the program is implemented.

The implementation of HCZ through TOUCH will benefit Broward County by providing opportunities to partner and collaborate with TOUCH and leading community organizations in order to foster a shared vision of health, economic development and education in Broward County as well as envisioning and designing improvements for the selected communities in the four (4) TOUCH focus areas which include: Tobacco Free Living; Active Living & Healthy Eating; Healthy and Safe Physical Environments; and Clinical and Community Linkages.

Michael De Lucca, President and CEO of BRHPC notes, “These innovative Healthy Community Zone recipients will receive over $100,000 in technical assistance to energize their residents to take an active role in their health and the health of their community. By working together for a healthier community, these HCZ recipients will help reduce the leading causes of diseases, chronic conditions and early deaths of their residents.”

About the Broward Regional Health Planning Council – Broward Regional Health Planning Council, Inc. (BRHPC) is a not-for-profit, established in 1983, under Florida Statute (408.033), as the legislatively designated Broward County local health planning entity.  BRHPC is committed to delivering health and human service innovations for the uninsured at the national, state and local level through planning, development, implementation, evaluation and organizational capacity.

For more information, please contact Mike De Lucca, President and CEO by telephone at 954-993-6401 Ext. 1201 or via email at MDeLucca@BRHPC.org or you may contact Teina Phillips, TOUCH Director at TPhillips@BRHPC.org

In Dania Beach, CRA director Jeremy Earle took a different path when planning a garden. “CRAs sit on the business side of government. They must eliminate blight and show a return on investment,” Earle said.

Instead of a community garden, Earle envisioned a self-sustaining market garden run by locals, creating jobs as well as potentially improving health.

Dubbed PATCH — short for People’s Access To Community Horticulture — the garden took root in 2013 in Dania Beach’s Sun Garden Isles neighborhood, designated a “food desert” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food deserts are areas where the residents have limited healthy food options.

Helped by seed money from the Broward Regional Health Planning Council, the city set out 2,500 grow bags — plastic bags filled with soil and nutrients — on city-owned land that had been a magnet for dirt bikers and trash. Besides being a productive growing medium, the bags safeguarded against possible saltwater intrusion and potential contaminants from a nearby warehouse site, PATCH’s management team said.

Soon the 1.6 acres blossomed with kale and collards, Swiss chard and baby eggplants. With shoppers from Fort Lauderdale as well as the city’s winter Canadian tourist trade,​ PATCH’s profits easily exceeded the $1,000 a year in CRA funds needed to run it.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/18/4123674/gardening-is-just-part-of-the.html#storylink=cpy

The DBCRA created a Community Garden, The PATCH™, on a vacant 1.6 acre lot to provide local organically grown vegetables to residents as part of an initiative to eliminate blight, promote economic development and improve community health. The idea led to a successful partnership between the DBCRA and the Broward Regional Health Planning Council and is an outstanding example of how non-traditional partnerships can be created in order to fulfill the CRA’s mandate to build better communities. The PATCH™ is truly “People’s Access to Community Horticulture”, making a strong, positive impact on quality of life in Dania Beach.
Read more here:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/11/prweb11293755.htm