At Virtua, we are working hard to ensure our neighbors, regardless of what zip code they call home, have access to the fresh, healthy, and affordable foods they deserve.
Ensuring that no child or adult goes hungry is an ongoing struggle in communities across the United States. The city of Camden and certain areas of Burlington and Gloucester counties are categorized as “food deserts” for their low access to healthy food retail outlets. According to Feeding America, an estimated 15% of Camden County residents and 12% of Burlington County residents do not know where their next meal will come from. Moreover, studies show that eating healthy food helps prevent and reduce the severity of many chronic illnesses, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Virtua’s multifaceted Eat Well initiative aims to address the critical food insecurity issues in our area and focus on nutrition as the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Powered by philanthropy, the Eat Well Mobile Farmers Market, Mobile Grocery Store, and Food Farmacy have helped to ensure that our patients, and most vulnerable community members, have consistent access to fresh, culturally relevant, affordable foods, and nutrition education since 2017. Together with our generous donors and community partners, we are creating reliable and affordable sources for nutritious food!
Recognized for Community Impact
In 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recognized Virtua Health as Healthy People 2030 Champion for its innovative mobile community health programs.
Our Programs
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Mobile Farmers Market
Mobile Farmers Market
Virtua’s Mobile Farmers Market was the first Eat Well program to launch, serving as a reliable community resource for fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables since 2017. In addition to offering produce at significantly reduced prices, we incorporate health education and literacy about eating well and its connection to reducing chronic disease.
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Mobile Grocery Store
Mobile Grocery Store
In 2020, we converted a city bus into a beautiful mobile grocery store with an aisle of fully stocked shelves, coolers, and freezers for customers to browse and shop with dignity, just as they would at any grocery store. The 40-foot mobile store operates year-round, makes regular weekly stops to communities with limited access to a grocery store, and offers reduced pricing on all items.
We are grateful to all the individuals, businesses, and community organizations who have joined us to support this exciting initiative. We are especially thankful to the following Founding Philanthropic Partners who have contributed $100,000 or more to our Eat Well Mobile Grocery Store.
Founding Partners
Bank of America
Domenica Foundation
Michael and Yvette Jordan
Kelly Benefits Strategies
Morrison Healthcare
NFI and the Brown Family
Parker Private Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
Bob & Donna Platzer and Family / Town Square Real Estate
Marvin Samson Foundation
The Tepper Foundation
Turner Construction
Virtua Health Medical Staff South
Virtua Health West Jersey Auxiliary
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Food Farmacy
Food Farmacy
The Food Farmacy locations in Camden and Mount Holly offer nutrition education, social support services, and free produce and nonperishable food to enrolled patients. Patients with a chronic disease or other health issues, who are also experiencing food insecurity, can be referred into this six-month “food as medicine” program by their physician.
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Colleague Markets
Colleague Markets
In an effort to support and sustain our workforce, Virtua is launching a variety of new colleague wellness and career development opportunities.
As part of this effort, in 2022 we began opening Eat Well Colleague Markets in locations across Virtua so that any colleague with a need for support can take home nutritious food and personal care items at no cost. These markets are also a place where colleagues can seek out assistance from our social work team, access job training opportunities, and be referred to other resources to help them and their families thrive.
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Annual Turkey and Produce Giveaway
Annual Turkey and Produce Giveaway
Established in 2016, Virtua’s annual Turkey and Produce Giveaway provides approximately 1,500 families in Burlington and Camden Counties with everything they need to make a hearty and nutritious Thanksgiving meal, including a turkey, fresh produce, and healthy recipes.
Powered by philanthropy, this program is made possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of many. We are especially grateful to Dr. Eric Sztejman and the Sztejman family for their support and leadership in making this event a success.
Impact of Philanthropy
We are grateful to our donors whose kindness and generosity is making a lasting impact. Here are a few of the ways their support had impact in 2023:
901
market stops hosted by our Mobile Grocery Store and Mobile Farmers Market teams.
96%
of Mobile Grocery Store customers report preparing more nutritious meals and snacks.
1972
patients received free food and nutrition counseling at a Food Farmacy.
Get Involved
If you would like to learn about how you or your organization can take part in supporting this impactful initiative, contact us today to speak with a member of our philanthropy team.
Call Us: 856-355-0830
Email Us: gratitude@virtua.org