Institute for Family Health to Partner With Local Farm to Promote Food Access in Ulster County

Kingston, NY (September 26, 2024) – The Institute for Family Health will partner with Phillies Bridge Farm Project, a non-profit working farm, to launch a one-year initiative to promote and increase food access in Ulster County. Through a $250,000 award from the New York State Department of Health’s Large Wellness Program, the Phillies Bridge Farm Project will increase production of seasonal produce, which the Institute will distribute to local families. Additionally, the initiative will include community educational activities and efforts to connect community members with health services through the Institute’s local health centers.

The initiative builds on a 12-year partnership between the Institute and Phillies Bridge that provides fresh produce to local families. This year, from September through November, Phillies Bridge will provide weekly, no-cost CSA shares to families at three Institute health centers in Kingston and New Paltz. Beginning in December, Phillies Bridge will host monthly distributions of winter shares at the three Institute sites. Each distribution will be accompanied by educational presentations and materials, including cooking demonstrations, food justice resources, nutritious recipes, and vegetable storage tips. Phillies Bridge will also use program funding to purchase supplies that will boost food production for the winter 2024-2025 and spring 2025 growing seasons, further addressing social determinants of health in the region by increasing access to nutritious, affordable food for the community.

Ultimately, the initiative is designed to increase access to seasonal fresh produce for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, including those with low-incomes and chronic health conditions. All materials will be available in both English and Spanish. 

“The Institute is committed to helping our patients with everything that impacts their health,” said Michaela Frazier, PhD, MSW, Vice President of Social Support Services at the Institute for Family Health. “Access to high-quality nutritious food is such an important issue that impacts not just physical health, but also mental and emotional health. We are proud to be working with Phillies Bridge to offer this resource to the community.” 

“This grant is providing vital resources to build on our longstanding partnership with the Institute for Family Health and provide fresh produce to many, many more people in need throughout our region,” said Ellen Conti, Phillies Bridge Farm Project’s Farm Director. “We are thrilled about the opportunity to enhance our impact and greatly expand access to healthy, sustainably grown food.”

# # #

The Institute for Family Health is a federally qualified health center network that serves more than 100,000 patients annually in New York City and the Mid-Hudson Valley. Services are available to people of all ages, regardless of ability to pay.