Minnesota Department of Health 2026 soilSHOP

With the rise in community and urban gardening, it is important to help people and communities protect themselves from contaminants that may be found in soil, like lead. Screening, Health, Outreach, and Partnership (soilSHOP) events provide community members with free lead screening of soil gathered from their gardens or outdoor play area(s). We will discuss the effects of lead exposure, common sources of lead, ways to reduce exposure while gardening and the soilSHOP process. The MDH supports soilSHOP activities by partnering with local governments or public health departments, organizations or community groups.