Hospital serving fresh local produce

HANCOCK — Visitors to UP Health System – Portage have some new choices to improve their health, all while enjoying a delicious meal.

Part of the mission of UP Health System – Portage is to improve the health of the community, and thanks to a new partnership with local food grower Niemela’s Market Gardens, they are doing it one plate at a time. The hospital’s café is now serving fresh produce from the Pelkie-based farm.

U.P. Health System-Portage Director of Food Services Shannon Brodeur said, “Niemela’s Market Gardens, they have an approach of growing things more naturally and they’re also located right here in the U.P., so we are able to give back to the community by purchasing local produce and we know that it’s wholesome produce and that it’s of great quality.”

The first delivery of fresh produce was received on Friday and customers are already enjoying them.