HELENA – Johnson Farms has been growing flowers, fruits, and veggies for years. But this summer, thanks to a donation from St. Peter’s Health, some of the harvest will go to help out Helena Food Share.
St. Peter’s Healthcare’s monetary donation to Helena Food Share was used to pre-purchase crops from Johnson Farms, both ensuring a market for the food, and securing a stable source of fresh produce for Helena Food Share. All three organizations are excited for this collaboration, because everyone benefits.
Terry Johnson, owner of Johnson farms, says he’s proud to be growing food for the pantry, because “you know specifically what it’s going for and how it will benefit people that are in need, and that’s just great.”
And of course, Helena Food Share is glad to have more fresh, healthy options for the people they serve. Executive director Bruce Day noted that he was glad to have, “a more consistent , local supply of produce.” for community members who shop at the pantry.
Although this sounds like the ultimate win-win situation for both organizations, healthcare professionals at St. Peter’s Health might be the ones most excited. “Our hospital is actually transitioning towards well-care, instead of sick-care, and this is one of the best ways to do that” said dietitian Jaime Larese. “If we were all able to eat farm-fresh vegetables all the time, the amount of chronic disease we would have would plummet.”
