Our summer BHealthy Farmers Market will kick off June 6, and booths upon booths of healthy produce and local artisanal goods will grace our Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway campuses – along with thousands of Arkansans seeking fresh, healthy food. One of our most anticipated events of the year, the BHealthy Farmers Market is an important part of improving the health of our communities. Learn more about one of our favorite summer staples from our Baptist Health Foundation Major Gift Officer, Carrie Teeter.
Q: What is the meaning behind BHealthy?
A: BHealthy is a culture that promotes healthy living for all Baptist Health patients, employees and visitors, as well as the Arkansans we serve. Our goal is to provide programs that help people live their healthiest lives possible. Nutritious food choices in our dining halls; easy access to fresh, locally-grown produce through our on-site Farmers Markets; cooking demos and eating tips, exercise programs, and wellness programs are just a few examples.
Q: What inspired the BHealthy Farmers Market?
A: Troy Wells, CEO & President of Baptist Health, is always looking for new ways to enhance our BHealthy culture. The on-campus Farmers Markets grew from his vision of providing Arkansans with easy access to fresh, locally-grown food.
Q: What is the FarmBox2Family Program?
A: An expansion of the Farmers Market, our charity food program FarmBox2Family delivers produce to underserved, impoverished areas. Baptist Health Foundation raises money to purchase fresh produce, then volunteers help box and deliver the food to areas of need. Executive chefs from well-known local restaurants also travel with us to these areas and hold cooking demonstrations.
Q: What difference have you seen FarmBox2Family make in communities?
A: The program has received amazing praise from the areas we have served. Individuals have told us they are not only thankful for the healthy produce, but also for the time we have invested in their communities. FarmBox2Family has taught them how to cook and eat healthier, and as a result, feel better.
Q: Are there plans to expand the Farmers Market to other areas?
A: Yes! Our first Farmers Market started in June of 2015 on our Little Rock campus. Answering the demand from our hospital in North Little Rock, a second Farmers Market was added to that campus in July of 2015. This summer, we are excited to open one up on the campus of our new hospital, Baptist Health Medical Center – Conway. We look forward to serving our Faulkner County neighbors in need through the FarmBox2Family Charity Food Program as well!
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Small changes add up over time, and can result in significant improvements. Just visiting one of our Farmers Markets and experiencing the taste of a fresh Arkansas peach can help eliminate your old craving for a candy bar. Trying new foods and new ways of preparing healthy foods is not as hard as you might think. Once you introduce fresh, nutritious foods into your daily eating habits, you will find that your body will start craving them. All it takes is one small change, and the desire to live a healthier, happier life. We invite you to visit one of our Farmers Markets this summer:
Baptist Health BHealthy Farmers Markets, opening June 6th – end of July:
Tuesdays – 7:00am-1:00pm – Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock
Wednesdays – 10:00am-1:00pm – Baptist Health Medical Center-Conway
Thursdays – 10:00am-1:00pm – Baptist Health Medical Center-North Little Rock
The BHealthy Farmers Market is a crucial part of keeping our promise to help the people of our communities live healthier lives. Find out where you can find the Baptist Health BHealthy Farmers Market on our Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway campuses.