ST. JOHNSBURY, VT (November 6, 2025) – Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH) has received a $5,000 grant from the Northeast Kingdom Fund of the Vermont Community Foundation to support its 2026 Health Care Share (HCS) Program—a partnership with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC).
Health Care Share is a farm-to-hospital public health program created by VYCC. Through this initiative, NVRH staff identify patients who are experiencing food insecurity and diet-related illness to receive fresh produce to improve health outcomes. The food is grown on VYCC farms by youth crew members who gain valuable work experience, job skills, and education in agriculture and nutrition. Each week, they harvest and pack shares for more than 400 Vermont families through the statewide program.
At NVRH, each participating family receives a weekly share of fresh produce—about 12–15 pounds of vegetables, fruits, and herbs—for 12 weeks, along with recipes, cooking tutorials, and healthy eating tips. Shares are distributed by NVRH Community Connections staff, along with some support from volunteers who provide home delivery to families facing transportation barriers.
Since joining the program in 2018, NVRH has helped hundreds of Northeast Kingdom residents access fresh, healthy food while strengthening community connections. Participants consistently report eating more fruits and vegetables, feeling more confident preparing nutritious meals, and rediscovering the joy of cooking. Many describe the program as “life-changing” and “a blessing.”
“Providing patients with access to fresh food, along with recipes and preparation tips for their weekly shares, has had a positive impact—strengthening the connection between good nutrition and overall health,” said Diana Gibbs, NVRH Vice President of Community Health Improvement. “This program helps patients overcome barriers to accessing nutritious food, supporting better nutrition to manage their health conditions.”
In 2026, NVRH aims to continue serving 30 families despite rising program costs. The grant from the Northeast Kingdom Fund will help offset these increases and ensure the continued success of this important community health initiative.
The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The Community Foundation and its partners put more than $60 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The Community Foundation envisions Vermont at its best—where everyone can build a bright, secure future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information.