“Ensuring access to fresh, unrefined, locally-sourced food in our hospitals demonstrates our health system’s commitment to preventive care,” said SLUHN’s Amy Previato, MPH, CHES, Network Director, Employee Wellness Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine.
"One positive is we’re starting to see a few more links between the traditional wholesale industry and the local food movement. The Common Market... has now moved into six states and has really emerged as a very strong member of the local food hub sector."
During Farm to School Month, Galena Park ISD highlighted the partnership between the schools and The Common Market Texas. Students learned about local agriculture and were exposed to tasty, local goodness.
Crooked Billet-Hallowell-Learning Community kicked off a new initiative called PA Preferred on October 16. PA Preferred is a program where all food served in the school district cafeteria is either grown, manufactured, or produced in PA. The Common Market farms were supported this year through the initiative.
"Issues like healthy food access were exacerbated by Harvey. One major reason we endeavored to expand our organization to Houston was to play a role in spurring new markets for Texas farmers so they are not cut out from doing business with these large food buyers. Public institutions don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to enjoy local, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables, and we are facilitating that connection.”
“Proper nutrition is essential to the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “The health systems participating in the Good Food, Healthy Hospitals program show they are committed to creating a healthy environment for their patients, staff and visitors. We are excited that this program is growing and continues to provide residents with healthy, sustainably produced products.”
"Urban Harvest is partnering with Northeast Houston Redevelopment Council and The Common Market to create and run the market, which is located in an area where fresh fruits, vegetables and other healthful whole foods are difficult to find."
The Common Market’s staff works directly with school nutrition directors seeking fresh, source-identified ingredients for their menus, including locally grown and processed fruit, salad greens, and individually quick-frozen produce. This partnership enables school nutrition leaders to leverage the district’s purchasing power to support local farmers and regional economies.
The Common Market was recently awarded a contract with Newark Public Schools, the largest public school district in the state of New Jersey, to supply local produce for summer meals and salad bars. They are excited to continue building their capacity to respond to these bids, as they make farm to school a reality for our growers and our school districts.
Pennsylvania Hospital uses The Common Market, a mission-driven distributor of sustainable, local farm foods, as their trusted local food supplier. The Common Market connects institutions and communities with good food from over 200 producers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
"Often as a chef and manager, trying to buy local has been at the least a pain. Building a relationship with The Common Market has completely changed that experience. I know that the product I am buying is local down to the farm where it was grown. I am able to let the students know the people who grow their food so that they feel a real connection to those farmers. I look forward to a long and growing relationship with the Common Market."
— Allen Clark, Food Service Director, Sage Dining Services, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School