SJFMC launches Farmacy Program and Community Garden

Friday, August 25th, 2017

The first “Farmacy,” a learning garden at our Burlington City Health Center, launched in August 2017. In collaboration with the Insurgo Project and Burlington City High School, the garden program fuses food justice, social entrepreneurialism and civic leadership under an educational philosophy that highlights SJFMC’s deep history and agricultural roots. SJFMC’s Farmacy program aims at decreasing the rates of chronic disease and promotes healthy lifestyles through nutritious eating. By becoming a part of this exciting movement, students and patients gain a stronger connection to the source of their food, ultimately leading to a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle. They will also understand the science and economics behind the food industry, thus cracking the door to a wealth of innovative and socially oriented careers. SJFMC is planting seeds and nurturing growth so that students of all ages and backgrounds learn the science behind the origins of food and reestablish the relationship between planet and plate. Our program reduces food insecurity and improves dietary intake, which leads to healthier ways of life, ultimately combatting the prevalence of preventable chronic diseases. The program has already been awarded a coveted Garden Grant from the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey and has been visited by various congressional leaders, state representatives and local elected officials. In partnership with the Burlington City School District and the Insurgo Project, we are thankful for the community contributions that have been made thus far. We welcome you to donate to our Farmacy program and help sprout the future. For more information on the Farmacy Program, call 609-481-3075.