Virtua launches Farmer's Market on Camden campus
One of summer's greatest delights is the abundance of fresh produce, especially from our own Garden State. But for some people, access to nature's bounty is not as easy as it might be for others.
So Virtua Health is helping Camden residents enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables by opening a Farmer's Market on its Camden campus in partnership with Camden Area Health Education Center. The weekly market runs through early November and features produce, as well as health education, screenings and fun activities for the whole family. An opening-day celebration was held recently, with Fifth District Senator Dana Redd and other local leaders on hand to support the endeavor.
"Virtua has been a part of the City of Camden since 1885 and we have been at our current location since 1912," said Richard P. Miller, Virtua Health President and CEO. "The city, its residents and their well-being are very important to us, and this market is one way of enhancing the quality of life."
The Farmer's Market features fresh, locally-grown produce and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 6 on Virtua's Camden campus at Mount Ephraim and Atlantic avenues. Each week, Virtua Health also offers free health education and screenings, including blood pressure or diabetes screenings.
"Diabetes, obesity and heart disease are all identified as primary health issues for Camden residents," said Bob Hockel, Virtua Camden vice president of operations. "The Virtua Farmer's Market is an important step in improving the health of the community and especially important to the many children on our campus and in our community."
Educational activities like cooking classes and grilling will be offered. The market accepts WIC and senior vouchers and New Jersey Families First Cards.
"Camden residents have asked for more choices for fresh produce," said Carol Wolff, executive director of the Area Health Education Center. "Now, that choice has arrived in the Liberty Park neighborhood and Virtua's campus is the natural location for this market."
As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua helps people be well, get well and stay well through a comprehensive range of health care services. Services are delivered through three health and wellness centers, three fitness centers, four acute care hospitals, primary and specialty physician practices with more than 240 physicians, urgent care centers, seven ambulatory surgery centers, home health services, two long-term care and rehabilitation centers, 12 paramedic units and a wide range of outpatient services. A leader in maternal and child health services, Virtua delivers almost 8,000 babies a year. Virtua also provides employment and wellness services to 1,700 businesses and corporations. An innovator in clinical and information technology such as electronic medical records, Virtua is recognized for its ground-breaking partnerships with
GE Healthcare,
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the
Fox Chase Cancer Center. It is the official orthopedic provider for the
Philadelphia Flyers. Virtua employs more than 8,400 people and has been honored as the #1 Best Place to Work in the Delaware Valley for seven consecutive years. It is the recipient of the Consumer Choice Award from the National Research Corporation. For more information, visit
www.virtua.org or
www.virtuabroadcastnetwork.org.