You’re Invited to our Fall Festival!

Join The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor at our 2023 Fall Festival!

Saturday, October 7, 2023
12:00 – 4:00pm
5557 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Southeast corner of Trinity Health Ann Arbor campus across from EMU playing fields
FREE event, please bring healthy pantry staples to support our community Food Pantry

Contra Dancing
Called by Maeve Devlin
Music by Pimento Mori
Beginners welcome, fun for all ages! Wear comfortable shoes. 

‘Awe Walk’
Presented by Lifestyle Medicine

Kids Activities
Including the Ypsilanti District Library

Food Trucks
Kneady Boy Pizza – Traditional and gluten free/vegan woodfired pizza options
FedUp Ministries – Chili and cornbread, gluten free/vegan black bean or chickpea sliders, sweet potato fries
Marilyn’s Superfruit Truck– Superfruit bowls and smoothies

Community Partner Program Booths

What is Contra dancing?
According to AACTMAD, “Contra dance is a folk dance made up of long lines of couples. It has mixed origins from English country dance, Scottish country dance, and French dance styles in the 17th century.” You’re sure to love this community dance style and beginners of all ages are welcome! Watch this dance in action here:  AACTMAD Contra – Maeve Devlin Calling

What is an ‘Awe Walk’?
Psychology Today describes Awe Walks as “a stroll in which you intentionally shift your attention outward instead of inward.”  Awe promotes the idea of a healthy proportion between yourself and the bigger picture world around you. Studies show that these easy and free walks are beneficial for not only our physical health, but most importantly our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

Seating:
Limited seating provided, feel free to bring your favorite camp chair or picnic blanket!

Getting Here:
5557 McAuley Dr, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
The Farm is on the southeast corner of Trinity Health Ann Arbor’s campus. We are on the corner of Huron River Dr. and McAuley Dr., across from the EMU playing fields.

Parking:
Park in Parking Lot T within the hospital, kitty-corner from The Farm on McAuley Dr. and Elliot Dr.

Accessibility:
The Farm has an accessible bathroom within our Food Hub building and a paved driveway. Contra dancing will take place in a mowed field.

Volunteering:
Volunteers are needed for set up, running activities, and take down. Please email farmvolunteers@trinity-health.org for more information.

Please, leave all pets at home and do not smoke or drink on the hospital campus.

Visit this page as details are confirmed to learn more about the event!

The Farm at Trinity Health – More Than Just Food

By: Beverly Moody

Vanessa Revelli, 48, knew she needed a little bit of help for herself and for her family. She was having a difficult time with her health and with paying her food bills. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help; Vanessa has courage.

“I had qualified for food stamps but hadn’t received them, yet,” said Vanessa. “The Farm at Trinity Health took care of all my produce needs. My benefits coordinator connected me with The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor.”

Vanessa had been very worried about being able to feed her family. She had recently been placed on disability while she was in liver failure and was waiting for a replacement liver. She needed assistance, and The Farm was there for her.

Read the rest of this story on the Trinity Health Michigan Blog.

Come to the Table: Integrating Nutrition into Healthcare in the Midwest

Can you imagine a day when healthcare is mostly proactive as opposed to reactive? When everyone has access to the vital conditions for health and wellbeing, the factors that people depend on to reach their full potential?

What does that future look like? How will we know when we’ve achieved that future? What do we need to do to get there?

One way we’ll know that we’ve achieved this future is that nutrition security will be accessible to all and diet-related illnesses will no longer be the leading cause of death in the United States, especially for people of color who are currently at greatest risk.

Getting to that future will take creativity, funding, and determination. The White House’s commitment to ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030 is an important goal to work toward. Part of the national strategy entails integrating nutrition and healthcare. Something I work on every day in my role as the Regional Director of Farming and Healthy Lifestyles for the Farm at Trinity Health, one of the nation’s oldest hospital-based farms.

On March 24, 2023, we were pleased to host more than 150 key stakeholders in Ann Arbor, MI for the USDA’s second regional summit on nutrition security and healthcare, Come to the Table. The summit, organized by Promedica and The Root Cause Coalition, builds on the momentum of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Attendees heard from officials such as Senator Debbie Stabenow, Secretary Xavier Becerra of the Department of Health and Human Services, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak, and Deputy Under Secretary of Food and Nutrition Services Stacy Dean. The unified message attendees heard from those officials was that we have a problem in this country with lack of nutrition security and health, and we must come together to fix it.

Alonzo Lewis, President of Trinity Health Ann Arbor, set the tone for the day with his opening remarks.

The rest of the meeting was set up to share best practices from a set of four groups of panelists, and to give attendees and presenters a chance to have meaningful dialogue.

In one panel, we heard from healthcare representatives about why their health systems choose to invest in nutrition security. What I heard from panelists was that nutrition security is out of reach for many of their patients and this is deeply frustrating because the accumulated impact of poor nutrition makes the job of a healthcare provider exponentially harder. I also heard the commitment of those health systems to creating positive change both within their facilities and out in the communities they serve. Alfreda Rooks, Director of Community Health Services for Michigan Medicine, spoke about their efforts to get healthy food and preventative care embedded in the community with their Project Healthy Schools programs and Ypsilanti Community High School | RAHS Health Centers (umhs-rahs.org).

In another panel, we heard about the various challenges of hunger across the age spectrum. Programs like Connecting Kids to Meals in Ohio takes on the enormous task of feeding children afterschool and in the summers. The organization, which has served 6 million hungry children since 2002, is a needed program, but also highlights the deep and pervasive nature of hunger and nutrition insecurity in our country.

In panel four we heard from various government agencies about a whole government approach to addressing hunger as a health issue.

The panel I moderated saw a lively discussion about how healthcare and the emergency food

Pictured left to right: Amanda Sweetman, Regional Director of Farming and Healthy Lifestyles for Trinity MI; Stacy Dean, Deputy Undersecretary USDA; Jae Gerhart, Farm Manager for Trinity Health Ann Arbor.

system can work to address hunger as a health issue. Our panelists, Markell Miller, Director of Community Food Programs at Food Gatherers, Dawn Opel, Chief Innovation Officer at the Food Bank Council of Michigan, and Matt Habash, President and CEO of the Mid-Ohio Collective, highlighted an ever-growing need for emergency food and that while food banks and pantries are working to provide more and healthier foods, nutrition security cannot be guaranteed through emergency food. As Matt pointed out, “we can’t program our way out of hunger, we, as a society will have to decide to do something about it.” I agree wholeheartedly.

In my work at The Farm at Trinity Health I am honored to both work on addressing the immediate needs of our community through food assistance programming and on a brighter future by investing in sustainable food systems and our local farm economy. A highlight of the summit for me was the opportunity to give attendees a tour of our hospital-based farm.

A few highlights about The Farm at Trinity Health:

  • Two locations: Ypsilanti, MI and Pontiac, MI.

    A summer farm share

  • Mission: To grow a healthy community by empowering people through food, education, and relationships.
  • Programs:
    • Collaborative Farm Share (also known as a Community Supported Agriculture) program. We aggregate produce from 20+ local farms annually. The program generated $300,000 in local farm revenue in 2022 and over $1M in farm revenue since 2015. We distributed 15,460 produce boxes in 2022 to 350 families over the 36-week season. Our Farm Share Assistance program provides free or reduced cost membership to 100+ families/year.
    • Produce to Patients: We believe that food is medicine and make it easy for patients and healthcare workers to have access to produce by donating 15,554 pounds of produce to 22,339 patients and healthcare workers in 2022.

      Kids love the Farm’s Summer Camp

    • Education: Access to healthy food is only the first step toward better health outcomes. People must also know what to do with it. Our education programs include field trips, summer camp, and cooking classes.
    • Horticultural Therapy: physical, occupational, and behavioral health therapies offered at our handicap accessible hoop house.

To wrap up, my key takeaway from the March 24th meeting was that while great work is happening across the Midwest region and beyond, there is more to be done. We as a society must decide to invest in creating the vital conditions for all including guaranteeing access to healthy food, investing in the health of our planet, and creating systems that will generate positive outcomes for all.

It is up to all of us to advocate for this positive future. Contact your elected officials, make sure you’re registered to vote, and support programs in your communities that are doing the hard work of meeting the needs of people today.

 

 

 

Spring Classes at The Farm

We are pleased to offer monthly cooking classes through 2023 that will tickle your taste buds and have you practicing new techniques to add to your healthy cooking toolkit. Class topics will be released quarterly and are taught in-person at our Food Hub. Sign up through our class registration portal, links below. For questions, please email laura.meisler@trinity.health.org

All classes run from 6:00-7:30pm at The Food Hub, 5557 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

April: Use Those Spring Greens!     Register Here
Tuesday, April 20
Overwhelmed by spring’s bounty? Our director, Amanda Sweetman, will show us different delicious ways to get greens out of the fridge and onto our plates. 

May: Gardening: Pruning & Trellising Tomatoes     Register Here
Tuesday, May 18
Our farmer, Will Jaquinde, has plenty of tips for increasing yield, preventing disease, and making harvest easier for your tomatoes! Participants take home a tomato plant!

June: Daring Dressings     Register Here
Thursday, June 8
Keep salads and sandwiches fresh and interesting with homemade dressings that avoid artificial ingredients, oversalting, and preservatives. Taught by education coordinator, Laura Meisler. 

CSA Week: Spinach and Ramp Frittata

A spring Farm Share featuring locally foraged ramps, far right

We love this fresh spring frittata to showcase some of our favorite early season greens. Substitute ramps with diced leeks as needed, or add asparagus for a more robust flavor.

Ingredients

  • 10 large eggs
  • 8 ounces of ramps, approximately 1 large handful – clean well, remove roots, thinly slice bulbs and rough chop leaves – divide bulbs and leaves into separate bowls
  • 6 ounces spinach, about 6 packed cups
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, minced
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Salt
  1. Turn on oven broiler to pre-heat.
  2. Beat eggs in a large bowl and add 2 large pinches of salt, set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a non-stick oven-safe pan, add sliced ramp bulbs and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in ramp leaves and thyme, and cook until leaves are just wilted, about 1 minute.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Pour eggs into skillet and cook, stirring and scraping pan all over until loose curds form throughout, about 3 minutes. Stop stirring before they permanently separate into scrambled eggs. Let cook until eggs on bottom are set, about 2 minutes.
  7. Place frittata under broiler and cook just until eggs on top are set. Shake pan to loosen frittata, using spatula to separate the edges as necessary. Turn frittata out onto a plate or serve directly from skillet. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Serves 4-6
Adapted from www.seriouseats.com

CSA Week: Swiss Chard Salad

This Swiss Chard Salad is a favorite and made very often around The Farm. It will surely change the way you feel about Swiss Chard and introduce more of those gorgeous bright greens into your diet.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bunch swiss chard
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

DIRECTIONS

  1. Wash and dry the chard and remove the stems from the leaves. Cut into thin ribbons. Place in a large salad bowl.
  2. Warm ¼ cup oil in a skillet, add breadcrumbs stirring frequently until crisp. Stir in garlic, salt, and pepper flakes. Toast for a minute. Remove from heat.
  3. Zest lemon into the bowl of chard. Juice lemon in a separate bowl. Add salt and ¼ cup oil.
  4. Add the parmesan cheese, dressing, and breadcrumbs to the chard. Enjoy!

Serves 2
Recipe adapted from www.alexandracooks.com

CSA Week: Roasted Acorn Squash Apple Soup

We love this Roasted Acorn Squash Apple Soup for the depth of flavor and unique combination of squash and apple. We know you’ll love warming up with this delicious soup!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large or 2 small acorn squash
  • 1 sweet or yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 small carrots, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • 3 small celery ribs, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 granny smith apples, cored and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger, or 2 inches fresh ginger minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup full fat coconut milk
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 400*F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can also use a shallow baking dish.
  2. Slice the top stem off the acorn squash and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Rub outer edges of flesh with 1 tablespoon oil and place each half facing down on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Turn off oven and set aside to cool.
  3. Warn the last 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot on medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for 5 minutes. Next add garlic, ginger, apples, and spices. Cook 5-10 minutes until apples are slightly tender.
  4. Once squash is cool enough to handle, use spoon to scoop the cooked flesh into the pot, discard the skin. Pour in broth and bring to a low boil and cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are soft.
  5. Add the contents of the pot to a blender along with the coconut milk and blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches. You can also use an immersion blender to blend in the pot.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and additional spices to taste. Serve warm.

Serves 4
Recipe adapted from www.makingthymeforhealth.com 

Cook With The Farm!

We are pleased to offer monthly cooking classes through 2023 that will tickle your taste buds and have you practicing new techniques to add to your healthy cooking toolkit. Class topics will be released quarterly and are taught in-person at our Food Hub. Sign up through our class registration portal, links below. For questions, please email laura.meisler@trinity.health.org

All classes run from 6:00-7:30pm at The Food Hub, 5557 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

January: The Best Lentil Soup Ever! 
Wednesday, January 18th 
Tired of rich holiday food? Let’s recover by preparing this nutritious and warming lentil soup.

February: DIY Nutrition Bars     
Tuesday, February 21st 
Save money and get customized, delicious bars that are sure to please. (And yes, there will be chocolate.)

March: Showdown: Kale vs. Collards     Register Here
Tuesday, March 14th 
No matter which team you’re on, everyone’s a winner with fresh recipe approaches that showcase these beneficial greens!

You’re Invited to the 2023 Luminary Walk!

Winter blues got you stuck inside?

Join us at our Annual Luminary Walk on February 4, 2023 from 4-7pm!

This magical evening features illuminated nature trails, fun movement opportunities, health education, kids activities, local food and beverage vendors, and live music!

This free family-friendly event is sure to get your blood pumping! Don’t let the dark get you down, illuminate your spirit at our Luminary Walk.

Learn more at our Facebook Event Page and RSVP to let us know you’re coming!

Free Virtual Cooking Classes!!

Exciting news, the Lifestyle Medicine Team at Trinity Health, is starting a new class series “How to Cook with Plants” this winter. Classes are offered monthly on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Class topics will include:

· Stocking your Pantry

· Kitchen Tools

· Knife Skills

· Flavor: Spices, Herbs, and Dressings

· Cooking Whole Grains, Beans and Legumes

· Fast, Filling Breakfasts

· Quick Dinners and Lunches

· And much more!

Learn more: Culinary Flyer

Register Here!