UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona, a garden yields fresh produce such as corn, tomatoes, strawberries, zucchini and peppers. It is part of the "Seed to Supper" program, a Penn State Extension Master Gardener initiative that teaches adults on a limited budget how to grow their own food. For one veteran in hospice care, the garden became a lifeline.
This veteran, whose name is withheld for privacy, had gardened his entire life, growing and preserving food for his family.
“Being in the hospital and unable to garden — especially with no one continuing it at home in his absence — he really was feeling that loss,” said Alane Timmerman, one of the Master Gardeners leading the program at the hospital.
“He was the veteran who was interested in everything about the garden,” she continued. “When you’re staying at the VA Hospital, whether for recovery or for long-term care, you have very few choices for daily activities.”
That lack of control often weighs heavily on patients, Timmerman noted. But something changed when this veteran discovered the Seed to Supper program.
“He would be waiting for us to start our sessions,” Timmerman said. “During the presentations, he always had a lot to add. He shared his knowledge and experience about soil, watering and optimal growing conditions. He was eager to share his information and was involved in making it successful.”
The Seed to Supper sessions covered fundamentals, such as soil preparation, garden planning, planting, maintenance and harvest. For this veteran, being part of the process renewed his sense of purpose. He visited the garden almost daily, weeding, watering and monitoring throughout the gardening season.
Timmerman recalled: “He once told me, ‘This garden has saved my life. I have very little control over anything, but I can come out here, see this garden, watch things grow, and help take care of these plants. This gives me a reason to get up every morning.’”
The veteran eventually was discharged from the hospital and returned home.