SWVHS Distributes 44,000 lbs of Apples to Nourish Local Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Scott Coleman
Communications Manager
Southern West Virginia Health System
(681) 479-0809
scott.coleman@swvhs.org
www.swvhs.org
A Season of Giving: Southern West Virginia Health System Distributes 44,000 Pounds of Apples to Nourish Local Families
Hamlin, WV – December 13th, 2024– This holiday season, Southern West Virginia Health System is pleased to announce the successful distribution of 44,000 pounds of apples to families in Lincoln County and surrounding areas. In collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program, and the Farmlink Project, Southern West Virginia Health System was able to quickly mobilize and deliver fresh, nutritious apples to the community.
The apples were part of a surplus from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, after several buyers fell through. The WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program informed Southern West Virginia Health System of the opportunity, and the team immediately took action to ensure the produce reached local families. Volunteers and staff worked together to distribute approximately 44,000 pounds of apples in just over two hours.
“I was approached by a friend/colleague who works for WVU Extension Services about the initiative to distribute apples from the eastern panhandle to communities throughout WV,” said Matthew Rafa, PharmD, a pharmacist at Southern West Virginia Health System who helped coordinate the event. “After ensuring we had the necessary equipment and storage to accept the responsibility of these apples, we worked with WVU Extension Services and the Farmlink Project to accept a tractor trailer of 1,008 bushels of apples. It is estimated that we gave out about 44,000 pounds of apples in a little over 2 hours!”
This effort highlights the ongoing challenge of food insecurity in many rural communities, where access to fresh, nutritious food can be limited. In these areas, residents often face difficult choices when it comes to grocery shopping, with healthy options being scarce or unaffordable. Events like this one are crucial in addressing these gaps, providing immediate relief while also emphasizing the importance of long-term solutions to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nourishing food.
“Nutrition insecurity is a growing problem,” said Rafa. “Programs that promote access to better nutrition greatly impact overall health and wellness to prevent or manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.”
Andrea Byrd, Southern West Virginia Health System’s Social Determinants of Health Manager, also reflected on the importance of initiatives like this:
“Many people in our community don’t always have access to fresh, nutritious food,” said Byrd. “That’s why we need to take action and provide resources that help people lead healthier lives. This apple distribution is a perfect example of how we can make a direct difference, and we are so thankful to Matt Rafa and the pharmacy team for their leadership in organizing this event.”
Lisa Leach, CEO of Southern West Virginia Health System, emphasized the importance of rural health and how this event aligns with the organization’s mission to improve the health of its communities:
“At Southern West Virginia Health System, we understand the unique challenges our communities face in accessing fresh, nutritious food,” said Leach. “We may not have the same resources or access as urban areas, but initiatives like this are crucial to ensuring that our neighbors are supported. Distributing 44,000 pounds of apples is just one example of how we can help bridge the gap, providing local families with healthy food options that are essential to maintaining good health. We are proud to be part of a community that supports one another, especially during the holidays.”
Rafa added, “It was incredibly rewarding to know that these apples will be a part of families’ holiday celebrations, whether they’re turned into apple butter, baked apples, or apple pies. Events like this are about more than just providing food—they’re about making sure our community stays healthy and strong. More partnerships like this are needed to provide fresh, nutritious foods to those who need it most.”
This event is part of Southern West Virginia Health System’s continued efforts to increase access to nutritious food and address social determinants of health in southern West Virginia.
By working with local partners, Southern West Virginia Health System is committed to improving the health and wellness of the community, one initiative at a time.
For more information about Southern West Virginia Health System, please visit swvhs.org.
About Southern West Virginia Health System (SWVHS):
Southern West Virginia Health System is a comprehensive healthcare network dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare services throughout Southern West Virginia. SWVHS offers a full spectrum of medical care, including primary care and specialty care all designed to meet the evolving health needs of the region’s residents.
