Food Is Medicine Campaign Connects Kentucky Hospitals With Farmers for Local Food
In partnership with: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
As the old adage goes, you are what you eat, and fresh, nutritious food has proven to contribute to healthier lives. To help bring this to the forefront, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) have partnered on the Food is Medicine campaign, an initiative connecting local farmers and hospitals to provide food for patients.
“This joint initiative focuses on creating pathways for Kentucky Proud products, produce, and proteins to healthcare food systems while promoting healthy diets, nutrient-driven behavior changes, and small lifestyle shifts,” said Hollie Harris, President and CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), the largest healthcare provider in Eastern Kentucky. “This aligns with ARH’s longstanding commitment to promote healthy eating. I’m excited that eight additional healthcare systems will
be working to bring Food is Medicine to life in their own communities.”
In addition to her role at ARH, Harris serves on the KHA board of directors, co-chairing the campaign with Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell.
Travis Burton, KHA Associate Vice President, said hospitals are major food purchasers who not only have a direct impact on the health of their patients, but now on Kentucky’s agriculture industry as well.
“We believe Food is Medicine will greatly move the needle of getting healthier, locally sourced options to patients, while also supporting the state’s agriculture industry,” he said.
See more: How Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Kentucky Is Elevating Agritourism
Farm-acy Prescription
Burton said the campaign could include aspects, such as medically tailored food boxes, more on-site fresh food – whether through dining services or farmers’ markets – and an increase in education on food and health.
“Our goal is to make fresh fruits and vegetables accessible to the people of Eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia, but also teach them how best to use them for their metabolic health,” Harris said. “Whether through cooking classes, provider appointments, or at the farmers’ market, we’re empowering people to make better decisions on what they put in their bodies.”
There are many food deserts where fresh produce is often unavailable or limited, especially in more rural parts of the state. Food is Medicine events are being held across the state to bring agriculture, health, and community leaders together to promote the campaign and build relationships.
“To get healthy foods into the people who need them, the Food is Medicine initiatives are crucial,” Harris said.