Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center promotes a healthy lifestyle for veterans in Saginaw
Thu, August 20, 2026 at 7:24 PM
3VIEW ALL PHOTOS
Garden at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center.png
SAGINAW, Mich.— At the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center their growing fresh produce in their garden to be used in their kitchen and to teach veterans healthy recipes
RELATED ARTICLE: Crim Festival of Races expects nearly 11,000 participants for weekend events
“With the veteran population there is a disproportionate amount of veterans affected by obesity” Sara Lee, Clinical Dietitian with the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center, said
Sara Lee is a clinical dietitian and oversees the garden at the center
She says obesity can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and more
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, it estimates that 78% of veterans are overweight or obese
“I have veterans who have come through who have never touched a kitchen. Either their wife does it or they order out” Lee said
To help, the Lee has planted a garden growing tomatoes, onions, carrots, broccoli, and more
A ripe tomato in the garden .png
The supplies for the garden were donated by The American Red Cross and the community
“All the produce goes inside, and it’s used in our kitchen for our in-patient veterans, or our cooks prepare it for them” she said
Lee says she also uses that fresh produce to teach veterans how to make healthy meals
The pumpkins they grow will be donated to their Recreational Therapy Department to be carved by veterans
Pumpkins in the garden .png
Lee believes that the garden will promote a healthy lifestyle and as a result help with the veteran’s mental health
“Getting your exercise can reduce anxiety and it’s very stress relieving to be out digging in the dirt” Lee said
Moving forward Lee is looking to make the garden more accessible to help even more veterans
