EDGEWOOD, Md., May 14, 2025 — The American Heart Association, with support from the University of Maryland Medical System, and in conjunction with the 755 Alliance, proudly announced the grand opening of two new community gardens in Harford County.

The gardens — located at American Legion Post 17 and Presbury United Methodist Church in Edgewood — are part of a broader initiative to improve nutrition security and healthier eating in under-resourced communities across the state.

“These two gardens are more than just places to grow fruits and vegetables,” said Tracy Brazelton, Executive Director of the American Heart Association’s Baltimore & Greater Maryland Division. “They represent our commitment to advancing health and hope for everyone, everywhere by ensuring more people have the resources they need to live longer, healthier lives.”

The opening and planting, held at American Legion Post 17, brought together local leaders, healthcare professionals, and community members to celebrate the launch of the Post 17 Patrick Daley – Mark Logsdon Community Garden and its sister site roughly a mile away at Presbury United Methodist Church.

The gardens are part of Association’s Live Fierce. Stand for All. and Healthy for Good initiatives, which aim to address food and nutrition insecurity by increasing access to healthy foods and nutrition education.

The University of Maryland Medical System has been a key sponsor of these efforts, which also included a revitalized garden at Coppin State University in Baltimore last fall.

“In Harford County, nearly 9% of residents experience food insecurity,” said Elizabeth Wise, President of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. “Nutrition security means more than simply having enough food — it means having access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food.”

“A healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent and manage chronic illnesses,” Wise added. “Nutrient-rich foods support cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By increasing access to fresh produce through these community gardens, we’re not just growing food — we’re cultivating better health outcomes for our neighbors.”

The event featured a ceremonial planting of strawberries, melons, and fruit trees, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter for the Edgewood community. Representatives from the American Heart Association, UMMS, the 755 Alliance, American Legion Post 17, and Presbury United Methodist Church participated in the planting.

Already planted and beginning to grow in the garden are tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, cauliflower, herbs, and fresh greens, the latter of which were harvested and used in salad provided for lunch to attendees of Wednesday's ceremony.

BangTam Miller of the 755 Alliance  — a community-based nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods in Harford County  — emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing the gardens to life.

“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision. These gardens will serve as a lasting, free resource for families, veterans, and neighbors for years to come,” Miller said.

Brazelton expressed gratitude to all involved. “We are deeply thankful to the University of Maryland Medical System, the 755 Alliance, American Legion Post 17, and Presbury United Methodist Church for their leadership and dedication. Together, we are planting the seeds of a healthier, more equitable future.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association in Baltimore & Greater Maryland, visit heart.org/Maryland. For more photos from the community garden launch event, click here. 

Additional resources:

###

About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

 

For Media Inquiries

Wayne Carter, wayne.carter@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org