Rob Raichle, a Sodexo General Manager, is excited to buy local knowing that it’s a priority for the client and that as a hospital, their purchasing power makes a difference to smaller, nearby growers. “The Common Market provides that connection to make it all possible.”
"North Wales Borough is taking part in a new program that could bring fresh food to the area in a new way."
Lauren Sleeger, director of Rathbone, said Lehigh’s affiliation with The Common Market, a nonprofit regional food distributor in Philadelphia that connects institutions like Lehigh with local, sustainable family farms and producers, has been a “game-changer."
Wellness programs at companies are still figuring out what works best for employees. Whether it’s a gym membership, fresh fruit days or healthier options in cafeterias, every company approaches the movement differently. To help out, one Pennsylvania nonprofit has been selling farm fresh products directly to workplaces.
Community supported agriculture, or CSA, was created to connect food producers and consumers by allowing consumers to purchase “shares” of a farm’s seasonal harvest. The consumer then gets a weekly or bi-weekly delivery of fresh local produce, dairy products, meats, and more! This system is highly beneficial to both the consumer and the producer.
Amid a growing economy of subscription-based businesses, “CSA” has become a bit of a buzzword, and we urge you not to lose the true meaning of what it is: a symbiotic partnership between member and farmer.
A joint effort by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and The Common Market, Good Food, Healthy Hospitals is transforming the food environment at many Philadelphia hospitals. And in doing so, making it easier for patients, visitors and staff to make better choices that can improve their health.
"When the university started partnering with The Common Market in 2015, the university went from having about 7 or 8 products from “real” food sources to over 100 products, including local yogurt, cage-free eggs, antibiotic-free turkey and more..."
“We’re excited to welcome this new vendor who brings us locally sourced items within a few days of harvesting.” says Manager Bob Davis. He also noted that working with the Common Market increases the variety of products available to Co-op shoppers.
As of June 2017, 15 hospitals signed the pledge to adopt GFHH. Half of these met the minimum guidelines for multiple standards.
Our friendly and educated team is here to partner with you every step of the way. Connect today to learn of all the ways to partner with The Common Market.
We value our relationship with the Common Market and their services to source local, fresh, and quality produce and food to GT Dining Services. Doing this allows us to contribute to the economic development of communities and sustainable farms in the Southeast.
— Jonathan M Elwell, Campus Executive Chef, Georgia Institute of Technology