Located just 40 miles east of Sacramento, California, Apple Hill is a beautiful region filled with apple orchards, vineyards, and family-owned farms that grow fresh produce. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to this area to pick their own apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
However, Apple Hill is not just a popular tourist destination; it is also a vital source of farm-fresh produce for UC Davis Health, one of the largest healthcare systems in Northern California. Through a partnership with the Apple Hill Growers Association, UC Davis Health is able to provide patients, staff, and visitors with access to locally grown fruits and vegetables, which are known to have higher nutritional value than produce that has been shipped from afar.
The partnership between UC Davis Health and the Apple Hill Growers Association began in 2014 when the two organizations launched the Farm-to-Hospital program. The goal of this program was to bring fresh, locally grown produce to the hospital's cafeterias, as well as to the patient's bedsides.
Since its launch, the program has been a great success. UC Davis Health now sources more than 50% of its produce from Apple Hill, and the hospital's chefs are able to create nutritious and delicious meals using ingredients that are in season and grown just a few miles away.
One of the key benefits of the Farm-to-Hospital program is that it supports local farmers and helps to strengthen the local economy. By purchasing produce from Apple Hill, UC Davis Health is able to support small, family-owned farms and help to ensure that they continue to thrive. This not only helps to preserve the region's agricultural heritage but also ensures that there will be a steady supply of fresh, high-quality prod products years to come.
In addition to supporting local farmers, the Farm-to-Hospital program also helps to promote healthy eating habits among patients, staff, and visitors. By providing access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables, UC Davis Health is helping to improve the health of its community and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Overall, the partnership between UC Davis Health and the Apple Hill Growers Association is a win-win for everyone involved. Patients benefit from access to fresh, healthy food, local farmers benefit from increased sales and support, and the hospital benefits from improved patient outcomes and a stronger connection to the community.
As the demand for locally sourced, sustainably grown food continues to grow, programs like the Farm-to-Hospital initiative are becoming increasingly popular. By working together, hospitals and local farmers can create a healthier, more sustainable food system that benefits everyone involved. And for those of us who love to eat fresh, seasonal produce, programs like this provide a delicious way to support our local communities while also nourishing our bodies.
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