"Learn and grow:" A garden in Milwaukee is having a lasting impact on the community

MILWAUKEE  -- More than 40 non-profit organizations in the Greater Milwaukee area are getting a little help this summer, in an effort to ensure kids in their communities say active.

Gardening is an opportunity for Alijah Newton to learn something new.

"I didn't know what spinach tasted like -- but it was my first time trying it, and it was good," said Newton.

Newton is spending his summer days at HeartLove Place in the Harambe Neighborhood, taking gardening lessons.

"If I can get them out moving now, at an early age, we are hoping they continue that," said Viola Rembert, HeartLove Place executive director.

HeartLove Place is a not-for-profit Christian ministry. They can run the free program, thanks to a grant from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, for $1,500.

"We look for organizations that provide experiential learning for children, to swim and engage in theatre and dance, field trips, nature-based learning," said Jeannie Fenceroy, Greater Milwaukee Foundation senior program officer.

The mini grants went to 44 organizations this year --  reaching thousands of kids.

"So that they don't experience the summer slide. They can continue to learn and grow," said Fenceroy.

This garden started a few years ago with only two gardening beds. Thanks to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, they have been able to expand that to seven -- and now they're adding two more.

The gardening keeps kids active and supports a safer, healthier community.

"We are dealing with childhood obesity, diabetes. Stronger families mean stronger communities and stronger neighborhoods," said Rembert.