In the winter of 2017, Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) and Augusta Health came together with a shared vision for a Farm-to-Institution project that would bridge the gap between quality health care and access to nutritious, locally grown food.
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The produce harvested from The Farm at Augusta Health is utilized for community
benefit and outreach programs.
Food FARMacy is a 16-week program in which participants with chronic diseases receive nutrition education, healthy food demo samples, nutritious recipes, and farm-fresh seasonal vegetables.
To date, 12 cohorts have been completed, and over 140 patients have been served. Additionally, over 21,000 pounds of produce has been distributed through this program.
A food box delivery program designed to provide insecure patients in our community.
“This has been a blessing and has helped so much. I’ve learned to like some new foods.” – Crop to Community recipient
The Augusta Health Food Pantry was established in April of 2021, and focuses on equitable access to nutritious food for patients that have screened positive for food insecurity.
“The cool thing is they grow vegetables I have never even heard of, like kohlrabi. I’ll get home and look up recipes and how to cook them on YouTube. Celery root - I love that one.” -Food Pantry Guest
Every other week, nurses deliver 40 bags of farm-fresh produce to Home Health and Hospice patients. Each box is brimming with 5-6 unique varieties of vegetables and is often accompanied by fresh flowers and a nutritious recipe. Through this program, over 15,000 pounds of produce has been distributed and over 2,000 bags have been delivered to patients.
Community education is central to the mission of The Farm at Augusta Health. In addition to the education that accompanies the programs listed above, health care professionals in a variety of disciplines offer a number of workshops and webinars for the public.
In 2021 the next chapter in healthy eating started with plans to renovate the circa 1910 farmhouse. With proceeds from generous donors to the Augusta Health Foundation’s Gala To-Go, the renovation was completed in 2022. The Farm team members now have meeting space along with a demonstration kitchen to provide community-based educational programs including the Food FARMacy, Digestive Wellness program, and other health and wellness educational opportunities. Topics range from home gardening to understanding the food system, confident cooking with fresh produce, and understanding the health benefits of a plant-rich diet.
Running from mid-April to late-November, the Farm Stand provides an assortment of naturally grown veggies, based on what’s available during the season. The Farm Stand is open to the Augusta Health team members, patients and to the public. Please check back in early 2024 for Farm Stand start dates and times.
The farm also hosts two Harvest Share programs for Augusta Health Employees throughout the year. Every week, members receive bags of 7-9 items of naturally grown, seasonal produce.
Volunteers are welcome on the farm! We welcome groups and individuals for opportunities to volunteer with us. For individual volunteering, please check here in the spring for our 2024 volunteering schedule. For group volunteering inquiries, please contact hdorrel@augustahealth.com.
The farm regularly hosts tours. These are a great opportunity to learn more about the history, growing methods, and regenerative agriculture practices the farm utilizes. For tour inquiries, please contact 540-245-7554.
