Charleston Area Medical Center - Local Wealth Creation: Farm to Hospital

What is it?

The program decreases sodium and fat in foods prepared in Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) hospitals through the use of fresh herbs and vegetables. CAMC implemented a value-chain food system incorporating local growers, replacing imports from the outside economy with herbs and vegetables that can be grown locally for the same or lower cost with the same or higher quality.

Who is it for?

Hospital patients, visitors and workforce

Why do they do it?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in West Virginia. The program enables CAMC to improve the freshness, quality and nutritional value of hospital food while opening new avenues for existing and new growers with a guaranteed market for their produce.

Impact

The program is increasing its base of growers by providing support and information for training, farm safety, certification and insurance. For the first two months of the project, CAMC increased its purchase from local growers by more than 6 percent.

Contact: Brenda Grant
Chief Strategy Officer
Telephone: 304-388-7885
Email: brenda.grant@camc.org