Seeds of Change: Trinity Health Muskegon Partners with McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm to Combat Food Insecurity
August 19, 2024Categories: Community Health, Health and Wellness, The Farm at Trinity Health
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Emma Nelson
Emma.Nelson002@trinity-health.org
(616) 260-5101
Between growing fresh produce and providing educational opportunities for children of all ages, the McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm at Trinity Health Muskegon is a partnership prepared to feed and grow Muskegon County. The hospital acquired the farm in July, adding it as the third location of The Farm at Trinity Health, a Community Health and Well-Being program with a mission of growing healthy communities by empowering people through food, education, and relationships.
“This partnership is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance community health and invest in our patients’ well-being beyond our hospital walls,” said Gary Allore, president of Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby & Grand Haven. “The McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm will continue to make tangible impacts in our community, and I’m honored that Trinity Health Muskegon will be a part of its compassionate legacy.”
The program focuses on food insecurity and access to healthy foods grown from its gardens, including nearly 50 types of fruits and vegetables ranging from berries to beets. Along with food, the farm prioritizes education with classes on health, nutrition, and food growth and preparation. For these opportunities, the farm partners with groups like Muskegon Public Schools, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD), Muskegon YMCA, and Michigan State University Extension Muskegon.
The McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm is located at 175 E Larch Ave in Muskegon, across from the Hackley Professional Building and Charles Hackley Middle School. The farm also has a booth at the Muskegon Farmer’s Market (242 W. Western Ave).
“Access to healthful and nutritious food, coupled with dietary education, continues to be an opportunity within many West Michigan communities,” said Michael Ramsey, program implementation coordinator for Trinity Health Muskegon’s Community Benefit Ministry. “Food insecurity, access, and available emergency resources remain in the top 10 most identified needs and continue to rise for our neighbors across all communities, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or age.”
In addition to access through community outreach and organizations, people can shop the produce at the Muskegon Farmers Market every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or visit the Farm to meet the team Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The farm collaborates on food access programs with other community organizations such as Muskegon Family Care, Hackley Community Care, AgeWell Services, Kids Food Basket, Trinity Health Alliance of Michigan, the McLaughlin Neighborhood Association, and numerous independent social care providers.
“Since the farm’s inception in 2009, Trinity Health Muskegon has supported the farm through in-kind contributions of the property and infrastructure,” said Ramsey. “The farm was previously managed by Community enCompass, the former Housing Assessment Resource Agency for Muskegon County. The legacy of what they’ve built continues as we’ve already hosted pop-up markets and continue to build onto programming and outreach.”
The McLaughlin Grows Urban Farm is hosting these fresh produce pop-up markets in partnership with BeBalanced Concierge and two other local farmer’s market vendors. The markets will be held August 21 and September 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Health Muskegon outside of Patient Pick-Up 1 (1500 E Sherman Blvd).
For more information on volunteering or accessing the farm’s services, visit www.mchp.org/mclaughlin-grows-farm/.
About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan operates nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents. Trinity Health Michigan is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country serving more than 30 million people across 22 states. www.trinityhealthmichigan.org