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US: UPMC Memorial Farm brings food to Pennsylvanians in need

Nestled within the landscape of UPMC campus, located in York County, within UPMC in the Central Pa. region, three temperature-controlled high tunnels house a vibrant array of fresh produce. From crisp lettuce to juicy tomatoes, the UPMC Memorial Farm — known as the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation Farm to Hospital program — has become a beacon of nourishment for patients, staff, and the local community since its official launch in April.

Breaking new ground as the first initiative of its kind in the region, the Farm to Hospital program focuses on growing food and cultivating healthier communities. By integrating fresh produce into meals offered in the UPMC Memorial cafeteria for patients, staff, and community members, the hospital is embracing a holistic healthcare approach that emphasizes the profound impact of diet and exercise. Simultaneously, produce from the farm helps to provide needed nutrition for community members across York County who may not be able to affordably access it otherwise.

The program represents a step toward sustainable, year-round farming while providing high-quality nutrients to those who utilize it. Daily operations are spearheaded by a full-time farm manager and a part-time farming assistant employed by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation.

Food as medicine: A holistic approach to health
The Farm to Hospital program champions the concept that "food is medicine." Under the leadership of KimberLee Mudge, MD, breast surgeon, at UPMC Memorial, this innovative program shifts the narrative from a focus on illness to one centered on wellness. Dr. Mudge envisions a future where health care prioritizes holistic well-being, emphasizing a proactive approach to nourishing the whole person through the most essential tool: food.

"Health care should be more than just medicines and surgeries," said Dr. Mudge. "It's about pairing fresh food with fitness, mindfulness, and spiritual healing to foster whole-person wellness."

The ambitious goal is to partner with the UPMC Health Plan and empower UPMC providers to prescribe "farmacy" produce, allowing patients to pick up nutrient-rich food to complement, or in some cases even reduce, the need for traditional prescriptions. By linking diet with treatment plans for conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, the Farm to Hospital program is paving the way for a transformative approach to health care.

Rooted in community: Addressing food insecurity
The Farm to Hospital program, funded and spearheaded by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, is a collaboration with York Fresh Food Farms (YFFF), a nonprofit organization that grows and distributes healthy food for the community. Beyond nourishing patients, the Farm to Hospital program aims to tackle food insecurity head-on through this partnership.

By striving to harvest three to four tons of fresh produce annually, the initiative is dedicated to supporting the York community and extending its reach to food deserts and pantries across the county. The collaboration with York Fresh Food Farms ensures that surplus produce is distributed to local food banks and city food deserts, reinforcing UPMC Memorial's commitment to making quality nutrition accessible to all. Some excess produce is also shared with the food services team at UPMC Hanover, located in southwest York County, about thirty minutes from UPMC Memorial, expanding the program's reach into nearby communities.

The farm itself is just one piece of the UPMC Memorial wellness mosaic. The leadership and care teams, having just celebrated five years at their brand-new campus in August, highlighted how preventive medicine and healthy living are embedded into the hospital's culture, which promotes healthy bodies, minds, and souls.

"Our campus' commitment to wellness is a pride point for staff, patients, and the community," said Michelle Del Pizzo, president, UPMC Memorial. "Whether it's the sprawling walking trail encompassing our campus, the healing and scenic setting of the Breast Cancer Garden of Hope, or the nourishing produce grown in our high tunnels, our patients and our community know UPMC Memorial is committed to healthy living."

Future impact: Sowing the seeds of change
Although the Farm to Hospital program is still in its infancy, its impact is already being felt throughout the York community. With the support of the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, YFFF, and various generous community sponsors, UPMC Memorial's farm is poised to grow into a cornerstone of community health initiatives.

Those involved with the program look forward to its anticipated growth. In the future, the team hopes to provide nutritional education opportunities, establish a permanent produce stand at UPMC Memorial, and help patients with food insecurity get access to nutritious produce by partnering with UPMC social work teams.

The vision is bold, and the enthusiasm around the project is infectious. Recent visits from Pennsylvania's Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, along with the Department of Human Services office, state legislative offices, and other local elected officials, underscore the program's increasing momentum and the excitement surrounding its future.

As the state and local officials explored the farm's potential, the message was clear: UPMC Memorial is just beginning its journey to provide high-quality nutrition that positively influences both patients and the broader community. With continued growth and innovation, the Farm to Hospital program promises to cultivate a healthier future for all.

Source: UPMC

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