A Note from President and Founder
Nada Cory
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Dear Friends,
First, I want to wish you a happy, healthy holiday and new year. I have been traveling to be with family currently, and reminiscing of 2025 and all that it has brought to so many; truly an immeasurable holiday gift for me. This is a season I can reflect deeply on, with gratitude for my loved ones – but also for you, whose generosity makes my work possible and rewarding.
I am thinking about how we all need spaces that bring us joy and good health – places where we can breathe, reflect, and become our best self. I want to express my appreciation for your support, which in this last year made it possible for students, families, veterans, and communities to become aware of new ways to achieve good health in our Gardens of Hope.
They planted seeds of change, dug their feet in the grounding soil, and watched sprouts “take root”. They put down their phones, communed with nature, worked collaboratively, and laughed with friends. For the thousands of kids and adults, Gardens of Hope became something more profound – a place where they learned to understand themselves, relative to making important food choices that will ultimately affect their own good health and wellbeing.
The numbers tell part of our story. But what matters most are the moments we can’t measure; the child who was excited to taste the plant they grew from a seed stuck in the ground, a teen who made a lavender sachet gift for Mother’s Day, a veteran who told us of his Grandma’s garden in Georgia, and a senior, while volunteering, felt vital and connected to their community.
As we are in the middle of our eleventh year, we are deepening our commitment to creating more measurable moments and optimal health for our Gardens of Hope recipients. So, thank you for being a part of my foundation family and please continue to be the best part of us. I am always grateful for your support!
In good health,
Nada
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December has brought forth some amazing produce in our school Gardens of Hope. This is the time when students can truly appreciate the growth process, tend to their plants, harvest, and prepare some healthy snacks.
We were able to pick tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs that were planted during our Ready, Set, Grow kick off. Students experienced a real connection, and "energetic exchange" as Miss Nada would say, between the garden and the gardener.
Our in-classroom syllabus this month is entitled MyPlate for the Holidays. When students are away on vacation, we hope they will take this information of a "healthy plate" to "heart", by creating well-balanced food combinations, and as the little ones have learned... a rainbow plate of food.
In addition to our lesson, students were able to add kale and herbs to a delicious quinoa kale salad base we prepared prior to our visit, thereby tasting the freshness one experiences with items taken directly from ones garden. This colorful and healthy salad is both appealing and satisfying, and will make a wonderful addition to any holiday table. Click here or See below for the recipe!
Throughout our newsletter, enjoy our photos and links with your family and friends. We would love to hear more about your holiday and how you may have incorporated any or all of these suggestions into your gatherings.
| | Click on the teachers guide for education and activities to boost "Your" plate! | |
MyPlate education began in Florida when the USDA officially launched it in June of 2011, with the University of Florida Extension quickly adopting and distributing materials to educators and residents as part of a nationwide effort to promote healthier eating based on dietary guidelines for Americans.
We take it up a notch at JPCF, by helping
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students understand how they can grow their own food, avoid GMO products, understand food literacy, amend what they already are familiar with, etc., in an outdoor classroom.
Below are photos from K-8 Gardens of Hope clubs in various undertakings of tending and tasting their own produce and herbs.
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Spotlight:
Meet Chef Collin Goodine
Chef Collin is deeply committed to ethical sourcing and low-impact cooking methods. He selects only the finest organic ingredients, crafting meals that are as environmentally responsible as they are delicious. His passion lies in creating food that not only tastes extraordinary—but also works in harmony with the body and the planet.
The Joseph P Cory Foundation is pleased to have Chef Collin join our advisory board, enhancing and scaling up our programs and resources. During our “Three Sisters” lesson in November, students were the beneficiaries of a delicious corn salsa prepared by him. In December, Chef Collin made an appearance at Lake Worth Middle School and participated in the “MyPlate for the Holidays” lesson, helping students prepare a quinoa kale salad with herbs and vegetables grown in their Garden of Hope, while answering many questions relating to cooking and nourishment.
We look forward to 2026, and all the knowledge students will gain from this wonderful collaboration. Meanwhile, if you want to give the gift of health to someone, visit the ORQA website or join Chef Collin at one of his community events. (Caution: don’t do it when you are hungry!)
| | Gathering ingredients for the Quinoa Kale salad from the Lake Worth Middle school garden. | | 8th Grade Lake Worth MS Medical Choice students with Chef Collins. | Chef skills with our kale! | | Nada's Quinoa Kale Salad that our students prepared and enjoyed. | | |
Serving those who served
1.00 minute read.
We look forward to the monthly visits from our Veterans Administration Vets.
November was not an exception, when our local vets were led to our turn-of-the-century Garden of Hope, by Riverbend Park director Pat Rash. Having a relaxing and educational walk on a beautiful day, set the tone for a wonderful encounter for all.
It is no wonder gardening is a proven valuable activity for all ages, anyone involved will reap the benefits: mind, body, and spirit. Such was the case, as the mood and posture of all attendees became serene and very social. Any inner dialogues that might have existed prior to our program, were replaced with positive childhood memories and experiences, such as home cooking with herbs and vegetables, and other affirming sensory familiarities.
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We welcomed another group last month, Veterans from the West Palm Beach Center of Hope community, a Salvation Army initiative. The goal during our time spent together, was to demonstrate the value of having their own garden at the West Palm Beach location; it was certainly enjoyed by our attendees. We are looking forward to this collaboration in 2026.
Wishing all our Vets here, and abroad, a safe and meaningful holiday. Come home soon!
If this is a project that speaks to you, please contact our foundation: info@josephpcoryfoundation.org
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Hundreds gather to celebrate Riverbend's Annual Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day is a blast from the past for a healthy future!
Families from Palm Beach and surrounding counties made their way to the Riverbend Park Farmstead on November 15th, for the annual Pioneer Day.
This year, hundreds of attendees enjoyed turn-of-the-century activities, and the Joseph P Cory foundation was on site to share the fun and benefits Gardens of Hope offers to park visitors yearlong. Read the entire article
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Garden Crafts and Fun
Once upon a time, kids thought it was fun to take a nature walk or to do arts and crafts.
These types of activities are more essential than ever during the winter break after being cooped up in the classroom.
Here are engaging activities you can do with your kids so they can use their imagination, work their bodies, and get their much-needed Vitamin D.
Follow the link and see how one Mom kept her kids busy and engaged.
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New Local Market & Edible Garden Nursery - Urban Abundance
Urban Abundance is helping Florida feed itself by creating local organic food systems in the form of an abundant food forest in your own backyard.
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UF/IFAS - Garden Guide for the Winter Months
Did you know that some of our teacher sponsors out in the Glades are also UF/IFAS 4-H leaders? No surprise that our wonderful school district staff would boast such designation. Thanks to Mr. Daniel Gonzales, the extension agent, for overseeing the 4-H youth development in our county.
Link to article
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Please Note: All medical information/nutritional content is compiled from affiliates and experts in their fields, and is not meant to treat or to replace the advice of your personal healthcare professional. The Joseph P Cory Foundation, provides guidelines and suggestions that align with our mission: Empowering people and communities to achieve wellness
and well-being through education, expertise, and guidance. Nada Cory/the Joseph P Cory Foundation does not receive compensation for recommendations and affiliate links.
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