PONTIAC (WWJ) -- Trinity Health Oakland is advancing the hospital-based farm they operate in Pontiac.
Ross Weinstein, M.D., a retired emergency department doctor at Trinity Health Oakland, is making a $4 million planned gift to build a new Food Hub. The Food Hub will be a “dedicated food distribution center on the hospital campus,” according to a press release about the donation.
In 2021, Weinstein established the Susan Weinstein Alberts Endowed Farming Fund in memory of his sister. A portion of the donation will also support the endowment.
“I am inspired by The Farm’s work to feed those in our community that are food insecure,” Dr. Weinstein said. “As a serious gardener, I like the forward-thinking idea of connecting nutrition with more traditional medicine, as well as community and resident education. I’m so impressed with how far The Farm has come in just five years, and I’m excited to make this planned gift to support the construction of a food hub, which is a key piece in fully realizing the vision of The Farm.”
The Food Hub will allow the hospital to host cooking demonstrations, culinary education classes and expand their ability to serve patients and the community with access to fresh food, farm manager Kelsey Monks Carry said. The current location of the farm within the hospital makes it difficult to host classes.
The Farm at Trinity Health Oakland, which was built in 2020, is 1.3 acres. There is space for food production, an herb garden, cut flower garden, two hoop houses and a timber-frame pavilion.
Trinity Health Ann Arbor and Trinity Health Muskegon both operate similar farms.
“At Trinity Health, we believe that food is medicine,” said Fabian Fregoli, M.D., chief medical officer and president of Trinity Health Oakland. “Whether it’s during a visit to the emergency department or a routine check-up, we’re committed to meeting our patients where they are, connecting them not only with high-quality medical care, but also with access to nutritious food and education. These early connections and physician-to-patient conversations can lead to small but meaningful lifestyle changes that dramatically improve a patient’s quality and length of life.”
Trinity Health offers a Farm Share, which is a seasonal produce subscription program through the health system. There are options for both a paid service and a free service for those who qualify. Produce is available 36 weeks per year.
Carry said The Farm is looking for volunteers and donations, especially with changes to federal food assistance.