Look for Local at Norton Healthcare
Bringing Farm-to-Table to Healthcare
Farm-to-table. Locally sourced. Sustainably raised. Fresh, whole foods. Whether you’re a self-proclaimed “foodie” or not, you’re probably familiar with each of these phrases and may even prefer restaurants that provide these options. You wouldn’t, however, expect to hear these phrases in a hospital cafeteria.
But we’re passionate about providing fresh, wholesome meals and dedicated to reshaping people’s perceptions of hospital food. What you may not realize is that local food is becoming increasingly more available in health care because of efforts our team, our clients and local community partners are making. That’s right – today when you visit a hospital as a caregiver, patient or guest you just may be able to find locally sourced meat and produce available to enjoy. This is especially true if you’re visiting Norton Healthcare in Louisville, Kentucky.
Norton Healthcare Makes Serving Local Food a Priority
With our support as Norton Healthcare’s foodservice provider, and Norton Healthcare’s focus on employee wellness through N Good Health, their employee wellness program, Norton Healthcare has made purchasing and serving local food to its café guests a priority. Recently, Norton Healthcare’s foodservice team was able to provide local summer squash to hospital guests sourced from Courtney Farms.
Courtney Farms is family-owned farm ran by Shane and Mary Courtney. It sits on 200 acres of farmland about 45 minutes east of the hospital in Bagdad, Kentucky. In 2010, the Courtneys began growing for farm-to-table needs with a 40-acre vegetable garden. Since then, their family and farm operation has grown. Now with four kids of their own, hogs, cattle and a wide range of crops, including specialty and standard vegetables like eggplant, squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, seedless watermelon, and mini sweet peppers, they have a lot on their plate! For them, the partnership with Norton Healthcare directly impacts their family and others who are living in and contributing to the local community.
Going Local Is a Win for Everyone
So when Norton Healthcare’s Café was filled with delicious summer squash this summer, it really was a win for everyone. Café guests enjoyed power-packed summer squash that is every bit as delicious as it is healthy. “Summer squash” includes both zucchini and yellow squash. It is most known for providing a strong source of manganese and vitamin C and an unusually high amount of other antioxidants like carotenoid lutein and zeaxanthin. Carotenoid lutein and zeaxanthin protect the eye.
We care deeply about buying local products and supporting partnerships between our clients and local family farms. It’s a privilege to work with partners like Norton Healthcare and Courtney Farms to deliver the best food experience to patients, guests and visitors.
Learn more about Norton Healthcare by visiting their website.
Interested in learning more about Morrison Healthcare’s sustainability initiatives? See our responsibility in action