Promedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital’s Farms and Veggie Mobile

ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital, a 2023 MHA Ludwig award recipient, created ProMedica Farms and the Veggie Mobile collaboratively with the Lenawee Health Network to improve access to fresh, affordable produce and education, encouraging healthy lifestyles. The programs have been progressively implemented over the course of 10 years to improve the health and well-being of people and communities. ProMedica Farms offers an interactive space for residents, patients and staff to engage in gardening, participate in evidence-based workshops and access produce grown by ProMedica Farms or sourced by the Veggie Mobile. It is also used to provide resources for patients and to screen for food insecurity. The Veggie Mobile is ProMedica’s mobile market that travels to 17 locations throughout Lenawee County, offering residents a range of fresh, low-cost produce sourced from ProMedica Farms and local farmers. The Veggie Mobile visits various locations, including senior centers, non-profit organizations, schools, apartment complexes and more. 

“In rural communities such as ours, many communities experience rising concerns related to healthy and affordable food access,” said Julie Yaroch, DO, president of ProMedica Charles and Virginia Hickman Hospital. “We decided to take a look at transportation barriers and cost inflation to help address food security. ProMedica Farms and the Veggie Mobile have helped to mobilize fresh and affordable produce across the 750 square miles of Lenawee County, modeling healthy behaviors and making a meaningful impact to the health and well-being of residents.”