As a member of the St. Paul-Ramsey County Health and Nutrition Commission, I am committed to our mission of bringing healthful whole foods to all of our citizens. That is especially true of our efforts to bring those foods to kids in schools and to those who lack good access to them.

At last Monday's meeting, Commissioner Metric Giles made me aware of a terrific program started by the good folks at Edy's Fruit Bars that allows people to vote for their favorite community. Communities receiving the most votes are awarded an orchard courtesy of Edy's. Not only will they supply and plant the fruit trees, but they will also supply the training and maintenance resources.

They have already awarded many of these orchards to communities across the country. There are only five orchards left, and, at last count, Victoria Gardens was in seventh place. I hope all of you will join me in voting for Victoria Community Garden by going to the Communities Take Root website (www.communitiestakeroot.com) and submitting your vote. All you need is an email address, and you may vote every day until the voting ends later this month. There is no cost to do this, but you may at your own discretion download a $1.00 off coupon for Edy's Fruit Bars as an incentive to vote as many times as possible.

Go to www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/pc/food_and_nutrition_ commission.htm for more information about the Food and Nutrition Commission's work.

Please help Victoria Community Garden win an orchard, and please tell everyone you know that they need your support.