The Farm at St. Joe's Ann Arbor, Michigan

Editor: St Joseph's Mercy Health System challenges itself to work on 'better health from the inside out'. One of the ways it does this is through its farm.

Begun just over 5 years ago on 4 acres of ground, the farm now covers 25 acres. As the farm has expanded its acreage, so has its output, with a community garden one of its features. 'The farm at St Joe's' as its known, grows crops year round, providing seasonal ingredients for patients' meals. Produce is sold at local markets with excess donated to the Food Gatherers Weekly, the local food rescue and food bank program. The farm also provides opportunities for rehabilitative therapy.

This wonderful initiative of a health system leading by example in providing healthy food for optimal health also reminds us of the need to tackle global warming for the sake of our rural communities and our supply of fresh, homegrown food.

Read more about The Farm at St Joe's

Watch the video: 'The Farm at St Joseph Mercy Hospital' (06:34)

Messages to: St Joseph's Mercy Ann Arbour