Cultivating Community: Holy Cross Germantown Hospital’s Green Oasis Blooms with Purpose

May 28, 2024

How Philanthropy, Health, and Nature Unite to Combat Food Insecurity and Foster Wellness

“The greenhouse and community garden project represents a significant step toward addressing health disparities and confronting broader social determinants of health."
--Ondrea McIntyre-Hall, Senior Director of Community Health, Kaiser Permanente

In Germantown, Maryland, a transformative initiative is taking root. The Holy Cross Health Greenhouse and Community Garden, with support from dedicated partners and generous donors, opened on February 10, 2024, and was meticulously designed to combat food insecurity prevalent in the surrounding community. By providing access to families and community members who are food insecure and may not qualify for food assistance programs, the greenhouse and garden serve as a reliable source of nutrition for the food insecure to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to improve mental health and cultivate a sense of community wellness that extends far beyond the confines of the hospital walls.

Kim McBride, Vice President of Community Health at Holy Cross Health helms this initiative with a steadfast commitment to improving community well-being. McBride oversees all community health programming and understands the vital importance of addressing food insecurity in the area. "Our goal is to promote equity and wellness by providing access to nutritious food and fostering a sense of belonging within the community,” McBride explained. “At Holy Cross, we're proud to provide this for our community, harnessing the healing power of nature to promote health and well-being for all.”

The idea of building a greenhouse and inviting the community to connect with nature came directly from the results of a 2020 Holy Cross Health community needs assessment, in which ‘food insecurity’ was identified as a high priority. This finding led Holy Cross Health to look for ways to address food insecurity within the community. “We wanted to make sure we were creating something sustainable,” McBride mentioned.

Recognizing the challenges patients and community members faced, Holy Cross Health social workers worked closely with individuals who struggled after immigrating to this country. Many expressed how their mental health suffered due to a lack of access to land for planting and growing foods, particularly foods that may be scarce in local grocery stores. In response to these pressing community needs, the greenhouse emerged as a vital component of the project.

Holy Cross Health, a member of the Montgomery County Food Council, aligned its response with key recommendations from the 2017 Montgomery County Food Security Plan that cited greenhouses and gardens as an innovative strategy in the Montgomery County Strategic Plan to End Childhood Hunger.

This project enabled Holy Cross Health to provide direct access to nutritious food options and educates the community on growing their own food, thus promoting sustainability and resilience in food resources. By involving the community in these efforts, Holy Cross Health fosters a sense of ownership and control over local food sources, crucial steps towards combating food insecurity and enhancing food sovereignty in Montgomery County.

The greenhouse and garden project

A Blooming Partnership: Donors Make a Difference The realization of the greenhouse and garden project would not have been possible without initial funding from Trinity Health's Preserving Our Legacy Fund and the subsequent support of dedicated and generous donors who share Holy Cross Health’s vision for community wellness. A key contributor and supporter of community well-being, Kaiser Permanente, recognized the transformative potential of the plan. Ondrea McIntyre-Hall, Senior Director of Community Health at Kaiser Permanente, emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in addressing food insecurity and promoting health equity. "The greenhouse and community garden project represents a significant step towards addressing health disparities and confronting broader social determinants of health," McIntyre-Hall remarks.

Similarly, the Bender Foundation, Cornell Douglas Foundation, and the Kay Family Foundation have played pivotal roles in bringing the greenhouse project to fruition. As a champion for community health initiatives, the Bender Foundation found that the Greenhouse and Community Garden project was appealing because it encourages community engagement and provides opportunities to tap into collective knowledge and resources.

Lauren Kay, Kay Family Foundation president and passionate advocate for gardening and philanthropy, finds solace and purpose in supporting initiatives like the Holy Cross Health Greenhouse and Community Garden. "Gardening is not only therapeutic but also life-affirming," Kay shared. "Community gardens bring people together, combat loneliness, and provide families with access to fresh, nutritious food. Being outside, being exposed to the sunlight is a wonderful benefit to gardening. When I learned about Holy Cross’ project, I got excited about the garden. I can see people flocking there, wanting to be a part of it, and maybe even growing enough for a farmer’s market. It’ll add a lot to the community.”

“To plan a greenhouse project is always a worthy goal, but to plan a greenhouse to benefit an entire community for future generations is truly a noble vision,” remarked Ann Cornell, president, Cornell Douglas Foundation. This sentiment encapsulates the core of the Holy Cross Health Greenhouse and Community Garden project—a testament to thoughtful ambition and extraordinary sensitivity to the community it serves. “Holy Cross Health emphasizes the critical importance of respecting unique cultural differences in diet and food preference. They highlight how these differences can serve as a unifying force, bringing people together through the sharing of both produce and experiences. It's a philosophy deeply embedded in their mission of advocating for environmental health and justice, furthering respect for sustainability of resources. The Cornell Douglas Foundation is honored to have contributed to such a magnificent project."

Seeds of Change: The Impact of Community Gardening Community gardens are vibrant hubs of activity that foster connections, promote wellness, and empower people to take control of their health. According to gardenpals.com, community gardens can yield an average of 20.4 servings of fresh produce per 11 square feet and lower household food security concerns by up to 90%. Every dollar invested in a community garden yields around six dollars worth of produce, making it a cost-effective solution to food insecurity.

Among the many faces touched by this initiative is Maryam and her daughter, Luna. Maryam, who immigrated to the United States from Iran twelve years ago, discovered the greenhouse and garden during one of the hospital’s food distribution events. Drawn by a desire to reconnect with nature reminiscent of her homeland, Maryland’s four distinct seasons provided the ideal climate for Maryam’s gardening ambitions.

greenhouse

“I’ve always wanted a little garden of my own. I really enjoy waiting for seeds to sprout and plants to flourish.”
--Maryam, Participant, Holy Cross Health Greenhouse and Community Garden

In her garden plot, Maryam tends to various plants, such as parsley, cilantro, basil, rainbow carrots, and more. Yet it’s not just the familiar flavors of her childhood that flourish here—it’s also the intangible essence of home that Maryam cultivates. The greenhouse offers her a sanctuary to nurture cherished memories, including the cultivation of fenugreek, an herb she remembers from her childhood in Iran.

Reflecting on her journey, Maryam shared, “My dad had a massive garden, and it was his life! Gardening reminds me of the one I had growing up. I’ve always wanted a little garden of my own. Restarting gardening has brought me joy and childhood memories. I really enjoy waiting for seeds to sprout and plants to flourish.”

Moreover, community gardens have a positive impact on neighborhood security and encourage healthier eating habits. As cited by Gardenpals.com, community gardeners consume 37.5% more fruits and vegetables than non-gardeners, underscoring the crucial role these green spaces play in promoting nutrition and overall well-being.

"Community gardens have the power to transform neighborhoods, nourish bodies, and nurture souls," remarked Kim McBride. “At Holy Cross, we're proud to be at the forefront of this movement, harnessing the healing power of nature to promote health and well-being for all."

watering plants
“The greenhouse extends the growing season and enables the cultivation of produce that might not thrive in Maryland's climate, enhancing the project's overall impact.”
--Kim McBride

As we reflect on the Holy Cross Health Greenhouse and Community Garden, one thing becomes abundantly clear: nature’s power to heal, unite, and inspire knows no bounds. We invite members of the community to join us in this journey of growth and wellness. Come visit the greenhouse, explore the garden, and discover the immense joy and fulfillment that comes from connecting with nature and your neighbors. Together, let us continue to nurture the seeds of change and sow the seeds of hope, one garden at a time.

To support this important community project, call us at 301-557-GIVE or email Foundation@holycrosshealth.org.