Penn State Health, in collaboration with Rite Aid Healthy Futures, celebrated the release of Together We Grow: A Story of Food, Support and Community Thursday evening at the GoggleWorks’ Gardens at Lauer’s Park.
The event marked the debut of the children’s book created by author Floyd Stokes and illustrator Sheena Hisiro, with a focus on raising awareness about food access resources such as pantries and community gardens.
Aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding the use of these resources, Together We Grow highlights their inclusivity and the role they play in promoting community well-being through gardening and shared support. The launch event featured bilingual readings of the book in both English and Spanish, making the story accessible to a broader audience.
In addition to the book readings, attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including snacks, arts and crafts, and games for children.
Stokes, Hisiro, and other collaborators gathered to discuss the importance of the project and celebrate its release. The book is part of an ongoing effort by Penn State Health and its partners to encourage healthy living and reduce barriers to accessing nutritious food.
The event was well attended, reflecting the growing interest in community-based food solutions and the positive impact of educational resources like Together We Grow.
