Since our beginning, Groundwork has been dedicated to preserving farmland—not only to keep land in farming, but also to nourish community. Farms, Food & Health represents an expansion of that focus to include how healthy, locally grown food can improve individual health and the overall health of a community. Back in 2014 we started a dialog with doctors and other health professionals about the Farms, Food & Health philosophy. They wanted more information about how patients can eat healthier. Our role is as a convener and a facilitator that brings skills and expertise to the dialog. We host conferences large and small and teach in small groups. We advise in “Prescription for Produce” programs and even offer cooking classes. Soon we will be managing a teaching kitchen (stay tuned for news of this exciting addition to our community!) The upshot: We see the value of getting everybody who cares about healthy food at the same table and talking to each other and coming up with new and better ways.

We help the community make connections so people have better access to healthy food and learn about health benefits of locally grown food, and even meet the people who grow our food. We also enable the community to take classes for hands on learning. Our gatherings also enable people to have personal conversations with professionals like dieticians and chefs and doctors. The Farms, Food & Health philosophy encourages a broad approach to what health is: behavioral, mental, physical—you can’t have well-being without all aspects combined.

Explore our web resources. Sign up for email alerts. Advocate to bring cooking classes to your doctor’s office. Be part of Farms, Food & Health by eating local. Ask yourself, “What is the local part of my plate?” at every meal. Add at least one local item to each meal. Condiment, dairy, meat, vegetable, whatever works for you.