Garland County celebrates Food Day 2018

Garland County will host its fifth annual “Food Day Bash” from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Hot Springs Farmers and Artisans Market, 121 Orange St.

Food Day is a national celebration that began in 2010 as a way to promote healthy, affordable and sustainable eating, a news release said.

Food Day is a year-round effort devoted to mobilizing support for policies that advance healthier diets while also fighting to reduce hunger and campaigning for better food policies, it said.

Thousands of events take place throughout the country aimed at promoting “real food” for all and to encourage bringing “real food“back to the American table, it said.

A Food Day proclamation will be presented to the Hot Springs Board of Directors during its meeting on Tuesday.

Saturday’s events will include children’s activities and games, healthy snack demonstrations, nutrition educational sessions, and SNAP at the Market. Participants who complete all nutritional educational stations will be eligible for giveaways and prizes.

This year’s event will offer a variety of things to do for the entire family and admission is free, the release said.

Supporters and donors of Saturday’s event include Levi Hospital, Growing Healthy Communities-Hot Springs, Hot Springs Farmers Market and Walmart Neighborhood Market, 1544 Malvern Ave.

Call Alisha Chatman, 6223325, email achatman@levihospital.com, or visit the Growing Healthy Community-Hot Springs Facebook page or www.levihospital.com/blog for more information.

Submitted photo FOOD DAY FUN: Garland County Master Gardener Gaye Harper, left, helps Bailey Birmingham gather soil and seeds to plant fresh grown parsley as part of one of the children’s activities during last year’s “Food Day Bash.” The fifth annual event is scheduled for Saturday.