Daley announces $175,000 state grant for Deaver Farm at Lankenau
Rep. Mary Jo Daley November 20, 2024 | 4:23 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – A $175,000 state grant has been awarded for Deaver Farm at Lankenau Medical Center, state Rep. Mary Jo Daley announced today.
Daley said that her office was happy to help Deaver Farm apply for the Department of Community and Economic Development grant.
Started in 2014 by Greener Partners and Main Line Health, the Delema G. Deaver Wellness Farm is a half-acre farm that hosts campaigns on healthy eating and the benefit of fresh food. The food from the farm benefits area students, hospital patients and medical residents. The farm also provides a green space near the hospital and is open to the public, patients, employees and visitors.
“Having visited the farm and seen for myself the amazing benefit it provides the community, I was more than happy to connect with DCED and help secure a substantial investment for this one-of-a-kind amenity,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “The amazing advocates at Deaver Farm worked hard to apply for this funding, and their commitment reflects highly on our region.
“Thanks to this funding, Deaver Farm can continue advancing its mission to heal patients, deliver care to its neighbors and provide education to the thousands of people who visit.”
The farm is a hands-on classroom for more than 10,000 students who come to the Health Education Center at Lankenau Medical Center. In addition, medical students tour the farm and learn about the role of fresh vegetables and healthy eating in preventive care.
“I want to extend my deep thanks to Representative Mary Jo Daley for her efforts in securing this funding for Deaver Wellness Farm,” said Lankenau Medical Center President Katie Galbraith. “Lankenau Medical Center truly embraces the concept of food as medicine and is one of only a few hospitals nationwide that plant and maintain a large-scale organic garden. This grant will make a difference by funding upgrades to our greenhouse so it can be used year-round as well as supporting other improvements. The result will be an extended growing season – and more fresh vegetables and fruits – for our patients in need.”
The farm produces more than 5,000 pounds of organically grown produce per year, donated to patients free of charge to support healthy eating habits and provide fresh food for those who don’t have access to it.