Starting Thursday, patients and staff at Sutter Davis Hospital will be able to optimize health by simply walking outside.
That's because just a few steps from the hospital's main entrance will be locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, bread and nuts. The hospital, at 2000 Sutter Place, is the newest location of the Davis Farmers Market. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 2 through Sept. 29.
The market is the first in Yolo County to be affiliated with a hospital, Janet Wagner, chief executive officer for Sutter Davis, stated in a news release.
Easy access to farm fresh produce and products is "particularly important as we see an increase in diabetes, heart disease and childhood obesity in our country ..." Wagner stated.
Locating farmers markets at hospitals has been a widening trend in Northern California in recent years. Kaiser Permanente facilities have hosted weekly farmers markets since 2006. Now, there are 37 Kaiser facilities offering farmers markets, which locally include the Sacramento and Roseville Medical Centers and the Riverside Medical Office Building.
The Sutter Davis Hospital market will feature eight to 10 farmers and two prepared food vendors, the news release states. Hospital staff also will conduct health screenings at the market. The market also will accept EBT and WIC farmers market nutrition coupons for mothers and seniors.
The grand opening of the market Thursday will include tastings, cooking demonstrations, appearances by Sacramento River Cats players and mascot Dinger and giveaways.
Sutter Davis Hospital also plans to incorporate locally grown food in its cafeteria in coming months.
Photo credit: Sutter Davis Hospital
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