Photo courtesy Rodale Bravo to Rodale Organic Farm and St. Luke's Hospital in Pennsylvania, for becoming partners to bring fresh, locally grown organic produce to hospital patients and to the hospital cafeterias. The produce is being distributed to all of St. Lukes' six hospitals to be used in meals prepared by Sodexo Inc. for patients, and to be served in the cafeterias to staff and visitors. Here's hoping this story has legs and will inspire hospitals throughout the world to heal people with vegetables and not harm them with pharmaceuticals.
Rodale writes:
Rodale writes:
"
Working with the Rodale Institute to develop an organic, working farm onsite will allow St. Luke’s to continue providing patients with a holistic health care experience that creates a positive atmosphere for health and healing,” said Ed Nawrocki, President, St. Luke’s Anderson Campus. “By providing patients with locally-grown organic produce, St. Luke’s is showing a commitment to the environment and promoting the health of its patients and the community.”
In its first year, which began in 2014, Rodale Organic Farm expected to produce 44,000 pounds of produce on five acres, including: lettuce, salad greens, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, summer squash, swiss chard, kale, garlic, cabbage, beets, potatoes, and a wide variety of herbs. Its plans are to double the size of its growing area to produce close to 100,000 pounds of produce, according to "Coach" Mark Smallwood, Rodale Institute's Executive Director.
The farm, which is on St. Luke's campus, will help to raise community awareness about the benefits of healthful food and how our food choices impact out overall health and well-being, the article says. Rodale has provided St. Lukes with organic farmer Lynn Trizna to oversee the on-site farm and to ensure the quality of the produce grown there.
“The farm will act as an evolving model for institutions across the country as well as for farmers who have the knowledge but lack the resources to start their own farm," Trizna said.
The farm, which is on St. Luke's campus, will help to raise community awareness about the benefits of healthful food and how our food choices impact out overall health and well-being, the article says. Rodale has provided St. Lukes with organic farmer Lynn Trizna to oversee the on-site farm and to ensure the quality of the produce grown there.
“The farm will act as an evolving model for institutions across the country as well as for farmers who have the knowledge but lack the resources to start their own farm," Trizna said.
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