The Lewis Katz School of Medicine has a legacy of supporting the local community. Whether its medical students are mentoring youth in science at nearby elementary schools or providing basic health screenings to the vulnerable and the disadvantaged, Temple’s prestigious medical institution demonstrates an ongoing capacity for service.
And so, this past year, it only made sense for the Lewis Katz School of Medicine and Temple University Hospital to partner with St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children and the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative in providing seasonal produce and health education to North Philadelphia families, many of whom live below the poverty line and suffer from chronic diseases due to lack of access to healthy food and information on nutrition. With a FreshRx "prescription" from a Temple doctor, families can buy fresh, organic produce and learn how to sustain healthy habits in a community hub near their doctor’s office.
Impressed with Temple’s commitment to help improve and sustain the wellbeing of the surrounding community and foster a culture of health, local philanthropist and longtime friend of Temple University Hospital, Jerry Burton, wanted to support Farm to Families, too. “How could I not want to be involved?” said Burton. “Providing families with fresh fruits and vegetables—things that most of us take for granted— felt right and made sense.” Known for inspiring others to give, Burton stepped up to provide a matching gift to motivate others to join in this effort as well.
Since its inception, Temple has raised nearly $82,000 for Farm to Families, thanks to 520 donors who, like Burton, felt compelled to support an important local cause.
“If the old adage ‘you are what you eat’ still holds, then we have some healthier friends in the Temple neighborhood today,” said Burton. “How cool is that?”
Given this initiative's success and the ongoing need in the community, Jerry has committed to opening his network even further and securing funding for the project's next iteration. This comprehensive partnership between community stakeholders, neighborhood families and Temple Health will address the social determinants of health, while ensuring all Philadelphians have the capacity to be healthy.