Would you like to add heirloom tomatoes and zucchini, fresh strawberries and pears, or flavorful herbs to your diet? Interested in the relaxation and exercise gardening can offer?

Consider applying for a mini-grant from the Utah Department of Health, which has won $30,000 in national funding to start or improve community gardens in Salt Lake and Weber counties.

Any public or private groups serving residents in the two counties are invited to apply by Jan. 15, for amounts ranging from $500 to $4,000.

Utah was one of 13 states that received the cash through a "Healthy States" grant from the National Governor's Association, which wanted to support state efforts to combat obesity and unhealthy lifestyles.

"We are pleased to be able to offer this funding to those interested in improving the health of their neighborhoods through community gardening," said LaDene Larsen, director of the department's health promotion bureau.

"We believe giving people access to fresh fruits and vegetables and getting them physically active can make a big difference in their overall health," she said.

Preference will be given to projects that benefit residents with low income.

Awards will be announced in early February to give awardees time to prepare for the gardening season.

Community gardens are developed by nonprofits that want to make produce available to neighbors. Residents plant and care for the crops and harvest them for themselves and others.

To help groups get started, Wasatch Community Gardens and the department will offer a seminar Dec. 5. The session will include information about planning and developing such a garden. It will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Utah Department of Health, 288 N. 1460 West, Salt Lake City.

Considering community gardening?

* TO APPLY: Visit www.health.utah.gov/obesity. The "request for proposal" includes funding timelines and resources for applicants.

* MORE INFORMATION: Contact Lynda Blades at 801-538-6229 or lblades@utah. gov.

* IMPORTANT DATES: Dec. 5: Workshop for all considering applying for a grant, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Room 114 at Utah Department of Health, 288 N. 1460 West, Salt Lake City. Use the southwest entrance; Jan. 15: Proposals due; Feb. 2: Awards winners notified