SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Savannah Urban Garden Alliance (SUGA) received an Encourage Health grant of $1,000 during the third lecture of the enmarket 2017 Encourage Health Education Series.

SUGA works to increase access to local, healthy food by promoting gardening and raising awareness for the benefits of homegrown food. The nonprofit organization collaborates with local schools to develop on-campus gardens, offers online guides to gardening and hosts interactive exhibits for children throughout the year. It also provides a community for area gardeners through online forums and monthly networking events.

SUGA is one of four local nonprofit groups to receive grants during the 2017 Encourage Health Education Series. Other recipients include The Living Vine, the Savannah Striders and the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.

Wellness executive Ross Harding keynoted the luncheon with a talk on “The Golden Healers: A Study of Ginger and Turmeric’s Effect on Health.” Harding is the co-founder and CEO of Verdant Kitchen, a gourmet and wellness company that crafts artisan foods and beverages with a focus on the health benefits of the ginger and turmeric family of spices.

The 2017 Encourage Health Education Series consists of four lunchtime presentations from respected professionals who share insights on nutrition and fitness plus general tips for a healthy lifestyle. Registered attendees are treated to a free, healthy lunch.

The next lecture on October 24 will feature Dr. Davana Pilczuk, who works in the field of human performance with Gulfstream Aerospace. She will speak on “Stress and Sleep: The Forgotten Keys to Health,” and the Encourage Health $1,000 grant will be presented to the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia.

This marks the fourth year of the enmarket Encourage Health Education Series, conducted in partnership with Healthy Savannah, Sandfly Family Dental, Gulfstream Aerospace, Hoist Water, Savannah Morning News, Savannah Magazine and GPB Savannah – WSVH 91.1/WWIO 89.9.