Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

GRIFFIN HOSPITAL - Derby, Connecticut 
Farmers Market

What is it? 
Employees, physicians, volunteers, patients, and visitors will be able to enjoy the freshness and convenience of buying locally grown produce right at the hospital’s front door. The on-site famers market is one of many health-related programs sponsored by the hospital’s worksite wellness program, known as Wellness Initiatives for Improved Tomorrows (WINFIT), designed by and for the hospital in partnership with the Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center. The Farmers Market is held every Friday, just outside the hospital’s main entrance from July through October. 

Who is it for? 
Members of the Griffin Hospital family and of the local community.

Why do they do it? 
The wellness program aims to create an environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choice, and having a selection of fresh foods conveniently available does make it easy to shop for healthy ingredients. With the help of the hospital’s Food Services Department, the WINFIT committee highlights a particular vegetable or fruit of the week and offers a taste testing in the cafeteria along with several recipes on market days. The Farmers Market also provides an opportunity to support the local economy, with several local vendors providing a variety of vegetables, plants, flowers, and healthy baked goods.

Impact: 
Griffin Hospital had its first Farmers Market in the summer of 2007.  Feedback was so positive that they brought it back for 2008. 

Contact:  Beth Comerford
Deputy Director, Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center
Telephone:  203-732-1265
E-mail:  Beth.Comerford@yalegriffinprc.org