St. Luke’s University Health Network build an organic farm on its Anderson 500-acre campus in Easton, Pa., according to an article on the Healthcare Construction + Operations website.
Produce from the garden is used daily in cafeterias at the health network’s six hospital locations. The Anderson facility overlooks the five-acre farm.
By the end of this year, the plot is expected to grow 44,000 pounds of fresh produce. There are plans to eventually double the size of the farm.
In addition to providing fresh, organic produce, organic agriculture builds healthy soil, reducing pollution from run-off and preventing toxic chemicals from building up in the ecosystem, according to a project spokesperson.
A 1,120-square-foot hoop house located on the farm, provided through fundraising from St. Luke’s Auxiliary, will help extend the growing season.
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