Sustainable Produce Initiative

The Health Council’s Sustainable Produce Initiative aims to strengthen the regional economy and farming industry and to decrease the carbon footprint of product distribution by working with local growers to provide home grown vegetables and fruits to Council hospital and affiliate members.

The initiative runs from July through October each year and is a collaboration of the Health Council and its members, and food service distributor Ellenbee Leggett.

In addition, Farmer’s Markets are held at Council member facilities and allow employees to purchase farm-fresh produce during their workday. Also, Seed to City is a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program piloted at one hospital and set to expand to others. Through participation in CSA, hospital employees purchase a weekly box of produce from local farmers, conveniently delivered to their work site.

All of these initiatives promote health and wellness by encouraging healthier eating habits. For more information about the Sustainable Produce Initiative, contact Barbara Banks.