Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has announced a partnership with Rodale Institute’s “Mobile Market” to assist in their initiative to increase access to healthy food in the greater Lehigh Valley.

The “Mobile Market” kicks off its LVHN tour, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 5, Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest. While at LVH-Cedar Crest, people can view live cooking demonstrations from noon-1 p.m.

The “Mobile Market” is a portable farm stand that brings organic produce to “food deserts,” areas that otherwise lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to produce, “Mobile Market’ patrons will receive cooking tips and educational materials about nutrition.

“People may think of Lehigh Valley Health Network when they get sick or injured, but we think about the members of our community far before that point,” said Eric Bean, DO, Medical Director of LVHN Community Health.

“We mean it when we say we’re a health partner, and that includes preventative care and helping people maintain healthy living. Our commitment to the community is what led to our partnership with Rodale Institute,” Bean said.

Rodale Institute, a global leader in organic agriculture, began the “Mobile Market” initiative to address the rising number of food-related health problems in the greater Lehigh Valley.

“It’s impossible to have a healthy diet without access to healthy food,” said Jeff Moyer, executive director of Rodale Institute.

“By partnering with Lehigh Valley Health Network, we are tackling the issue of food insecurity with a well-rounded approach,” Moyer said.

LVHN regularly assesses communities’ needs through the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).

CHNA examines the factors that impact the health and wellness of all the people living in the counties that LVHN serves.

Based on the findings of the 2019 CHNA, LVHN created an implementation plan that included a commitment to address food insecurity and promote better eating habits.

LVHN physicians and Advanced Practice Clinicians met with Rodale’s Moyer to discuss how organic agriculture benefits human and environmental health.

“Our partnership has already provided us with opportunities to better understand agricultural systems and how they impact climate change, human health and biodiversity,” Bean said.

“Nutritious food is healthcare and we are excited to see what the future holds as we find new ways work together to impact the community,” said Bean.

Mobile Market schedule

Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest,1200 S. Cedar Crest Boulevard, Salisbury Township: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., with cooking demonstration, noon-1 p.m. Sept. 5, Oct. 3

Lehigh Valley Health Network - Mack Boulevard, 2100 Mack Boulevard, Allentown: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sept. 12, Oct. 10

Lehigh Valley Health Network - One City Center, 707 W. Hamilton St., Allentown: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sept. 19, Oct. 17

Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg, 2545 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sept. 26, Oct. 24