Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Hilton Head Island announces the VIM Clinic Farm-acy

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. - May 6, 2022 - PRLog -- Volunteers in Medicine Clinic today announced the VIM Clinic Farm-acy and Wellness Market, a new food sustainability initiative under the VIM Clinic Wellness Program. The Farm-acy includes 8 indoor hydroponic systems that produce several thousand pounds of fresh, leafy vegetables every year. This initiative is supported by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry and builds upon the distribution of diabetic-friendly food to patients through partnerships with The Deep Well Project, Second Helpings, and the local farming community.

"Many of our patients suffer from food insecurity, and none of our programs or medicines work optimally without good nutrition," says Dr. John Newman, Executive Director at VIM Clinic. "We have consistently been able to supply non-perishable food to our patients, but when one of our local farming communities drops off fresh produce or fruits – it feels like Christmas at the Clinic. The smiles that walk out the door are incredible. We wanted to see smiles like that every day!"

VIM clinic strives to support the community with locally grown, fresh produce 365 days a year. With the technology available with indoor hydroponic systems, we can harvest fresh lettuce, kale, and collard greens every day of the year. Along with giving the produce to our patients, we are able to give fresh leafy vegetables to our community distribution partners at The Deep Well Project, Second Helpings, and Sandalwood Community Food Pantry. We are proud to partner with these organizations and maximize efforts to better the community.

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has enjoyed the gifts from volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists for almost 30 years as we care for those who live or work on Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands. "We had no idea how many gardeners, farmers, chemists, and engineers were just waiting for us to ask for help with something that doesn't involve being in the medical clinic," says Dr. Newman. "Hats off to the growing army of volunteers at VIM Clinic with our new 'Farm-Assists'."

Benefits of the VIM Clinic Farm-acy and Wellness Market include:

• Food as medicine to address food insecurity
• Food as preventative medicine to encourage health and well-being
• Food as medicine in disease management and treatment

Learn more at https://vimclinic.org