Food as Medicine - From Farm to Clinic, the Giving Garden Supplies Fresh, Organic Food to Pediatric Patients and their Families
For two growing seasons, the Gainesville Giving Garden has partnered with UF Health Shands CMS Pediatrics Clinic to provide organic, freshly-harvested produce. This initiative empowers patient families with the nourishment they need while navigating health challenges. The clinic is just one of our food distribution partners that helps deliver our produce directly to those who desire fresh food though lack the resources to access it regularly.
At the Giving Garden, we believe food is medicine. True vitality begins with nourishment from locally-sourced, nutrient-dense, and bioavailable produce.
Every other week, dedicated volunteers harvest organic vegetables and herbs at our farm for patients and their families. After harvesting, the produce is washed, packed, and stored in our harvest refrigerators. Clinic residents then pick up the fresh produce and bring it to the clinic.These include dark leafy greens, vibrant rainbow chard, grounding root vegetables, and flavorful, health-boosting herbs. Come springtime, recipients will be provided with spring crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and beans.
At the clinic, families are encouraged by their doctors and nurses to incorporate nutritious foods to support their children's health journeys. Yet, accessing fresh food regularly can be challenging when managing complex healthcare needs. That’s why, during Florida's growing season, the clinic hosts a weekly “free farmers market,” where Giving Garden produce is distributed at no cost. To make healthy eating simple and enjoyable, we also provide recipe cards and crop information guides alongside our produce donations.
Here, and below, are images of a recent harvest. In the photo above, you’ll see magenta lettuce. Below, radishes, beets, cabbage, and rainbow chard. The bottom photo shows our full fridge dedicated to the clinic, packed the day before residents picked up for food distribution.
