According to Jersey City medical officials, Jersey City Medical Center received a grant supporting a new food initiative.
Officials say a facility of RWJ Barnabas Health was awarded a $15,000 grant on September 26 from The Provident Bank Foundation to support its Food FARMacy program.
“We are grateful to The Provident Bank Foundation for this grant and plan to use the funds to stock our pantry shelves,” said Kristin Carlino, MS, RD, Registered Dietitian for Jersey City Medical Center’s Green Apple Rx Food FARMacy program.
“Having access to fresh produce, lean proteins, and whole grains encourages people to live healthier lives, and the grant from Provident Bank will allow us to continue our efforts to provide both fresh food and education to ensure participants meet their nutrition goals.”
The Food FARMacy was created by the Medical Center and is located in Greenville, at 1825 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, to serve Hudson County residents who are food insecure and living with chronic illnesses like diabetes or obesity.
The Food FARMacy aims to improve community members’ state of health by actively providing access to fresh produce. Without access to such products, communities revert to unhealthy eating habits and later deal with countless health problems.
Through the Medical Center’s partnerships with ACME Supermarkets, the Community Food Bank of NJ, and other local donors, community members are eligible to receive free fresh produce and nutritional counseling through a registered dietitian.
“We are pleased to help further valuable initiatives put forth by local organizations that are working every day to strengthen the lives of residents in our communities,” said Samantha Plotino, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation.
“We will continue to provide support to these important organizations that have identified an immediate need in the community and for the individuals they serve.”
For more information about the Food FARMacy at Jersey City Medical Center, visit https://www.rwjbh.org/jerseycity.