Seeds of hope: New community garden on hospital grounds aims to root out food insecurity
‘Harvest for Health’ garden blooms in South Hill, thanks to a collaboration between VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital and Virginia Cooperative Extension.
July 17, 2025
VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital team members harvest fresh produce during the community garden ribbon cutting event, a partnership with Virginia Cooperative Extension, celebrating nourishment, education and community connection. (Shea Wright, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)
By Shea Wright
Tufts of vibrant green leaves peek out of nine metal raised beds, with little buds beginning to bloom. Soon enough, a rainbow of colorful vegetables – tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, and squash – will emerge.
This little garden, named “Harvest for Health,” has a big mission – to help those struggling to get access to healthier food to put on their tables.
“Today’s health care must meet people where they are, and sometimes that means meeting them in a garden,” said Sheldon Barr, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.
Food insecurity is a growing problem in rural communities. A recent survey found that 14% of residents in Mecklenburg County have trouble getting sufficient or adequate quality food to meet their needs.
“In rural areas like South Hill, access to fresh food and nutrition education can be limited, but the need is just as great,” said Ross Abrash, the program manager at VCU Health’s Department of Community Health.
To address this growing problem in Southside Virginia, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) and the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) joined forces to create a community garden, located adjacent to the hospital’s cafeteria. It was unveiled to hospital leadership, members of VCE, local farmers and community members on Thursday, July 17. The name “Harvest for Health” was chosen by the hospital staff who felt it best reflected the garden’s communal feel.
“We believe health begins in the community,” Barr said. “The garden and the collaboration with VCE represent our dedication to creating healthier environments both inside and outside the walls of our hospital. It’s a space where nourishment, education, community and connection can grow together.”
Sheldon Barr, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, and Lenora Wright, of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, celebrate the garden’s first harvest this season. (Shea Wright, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)
The joint effort with VCE grew out of CMH’s commitment to improve community-based support services highlighted in the hospital’s FY25-27 Community Improvement Plan. The garden is supported by VCU Health’s Department of Community Health and VCE’s Family Nutrition Program (FNP), which works across the state to promote nutrition education and address social, economic and environmental health factors through education and community collaboration.
“This garden is a direct response to what we heard in our community improvement plan. By collaborating with the VCE, we’re creating a sustainable, local solution that addresses food insecurity and supports long-term health where it matters most,” Abrash said.
Teamwork remains at the heart of this project, as hospital employees, local farmers, residents and VCE volunteers helped bring the vision to life. In early June, the group assembled raised beds and several trellises before planting the seeds that will become the garden’s first harvest. A gardener and team of volunteers will manage harvesting and replanting of seasonal vegetables as well as assist with educational events throughout the year.
“Together, we are able to offer more than fresh vegetables,” said Lenora Wright, SNAP Education extension agent at the VCE. “When people understand where their food comes from and how to prepare it in nourishing ways, it builds confidence, independence, and well-being.”
Throughout the remainder of the summer, the garden will serve as a source of fresh vegetables, beans and herbs for local food pantries. The garden will also be used to provide direct access to fresh produce for hospital patients and serve as a hands-on learning space for educational programs.
“The future of health care is not only about treating illness — it’s about preventing it through access to healthier food options closer to home,” Barr said. “The ‘Harvest for Health’ community garden is a tangible step toward that vision.”
Members of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital, Virginia Cooperative Extension and community members took part in a ribbon cutting for the “Harvest of Health” community garden, located at the hospital (Shea Wright, Enterprise Marketing and Communications).
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