Sentara MJH expanding partnership with Local Food Hub

ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is expanding a partnership with an organization that helps people facing food insecurity obtain healthy foods.
According to a release, the hospital is growing its partnership with the Local Food Hub with a $100,000 investment.
They will be putting on 14 free food stands throughout the counties of Louisa, Greene, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Nelson.
These stands will supply more than 1,700 families with local food products, such as healthy meats, fruits and vegetables.
The first such stand will be held Thursday, supporting about 125 families in the Charlottesville area.
"One of the most significant health concerns in our community, as highlighted by our Community Health Needs Assessment, is promoting healthy eating. The Local Food Hub is a natural partner in this effort because they share our goal of providing our communities with fresh, local food," said Kimberly Skelly, the executive director of Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation.
The aim is to get food directly to members of the community in need and remove barriers keeping them from reaching local products.
“These farm stands provide the chance to support both local farmers and increase food access," said Portia Boggs, the Director of Advancement and Communications of Local Food Hub. "We are very excited about our partnership with Sentara, and this opportunity to get fresh, local food to folks who need it.”
The release says future farm stand plans include offering cooking demonstrations, food sampling and recipes using the produce available at the stand.