Bringing fresh foods to our local hospitals.
That’s the mission of a new program by the Department of Agriculture.
They’re looking for a total of 13 farmers, 6 in each district and 1 in St. John to participate in the Farm to Hospital Program.
Selected farmers will work together to grow a fruit or vegetable which will then be used on the hospitals lunch menu during the Harvest of the Month in both island districts.
The program will provide technical assistance and training on best planting practices, crop variety selection, irrigation and post-harvest techniques.
The VI Department of Agriculture secured federal funding from the USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) FY 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant to establish the Program to operate in conjunction with the Harvest of the Month initiative in the US Virgin Islands.
All individuals interested in participating in this program may request an application via e-mail: billy.abraham@doa.vi.gov; or pick up one from the VI Department of Agriculture in either district. Selected applicants must possess the following minimum requirements:
- Adequate water supply
- Farmer’s License
- Health Card
Land (proprietorship of property is not mandatory; however, if the property belongs to another party, then express permission from the landowner must be granted).
The Farm to Hospital – Harvest of the Month program seeks to establish a formal supply chain relationship between hospitals and farms in which both parties benefit. Hospitals benefit by upholding the shared mission of many hospitals to 1) promote healthy living, 2), provide a model from which patients may learn, and 3), foster a healthy food environment. Farmers benefit because FTH programs create an alternative marketing channel for their products
The deadline to submit applications to the VI Department of Agriculture – Marketing Division is 4:59 p.m. February 28, 2018. Applications may be submitted electronically to billy.abraham@doa.vi.gov.
All questions regarding this opportunity should be sent to the above email address.
