You've probably always been told to "eat your vegetables!" As we age, having a balanced diet becomes even more important for maintaining good health and well-being. Incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help our bodies function optimally and help with healthy aging.
Recognizing this importance, Commonwealth Senior Living launched its Farm-to-Table dining program in 2015 in partnership with Produce Source Partners. This brought fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables to all of our communities. In 2016, the program was expanded with Today from the Bay, in partnership with Sam Rust Seafood, introducing seasonal seafood from the Chesapeake Bay.
The next step in bringing fresh produce to our residents meant bringing the farming inside. Babylon Micro-Farms was introduced in 2019, one of the first of its kind in the senior living industry, and we are proud to be able to integrate their fresh, locally sourced vegetables into our residents' dining. In 2023, our communities' micro farms saved 495,177 gallons of water, diverted 80.9 pounds of nitrogen runoff, and reduced food waste by almost 1,000 pounds. This award-winning partnership in hydroponic farming provides the freshest produce available grown inside our dining rooms and is harvested by our residents.
For caregivers or seniors still living at home, we want to give you a few tips on making healthy choices easier:
- Prepare meals at home more frequently. Try these recipes!
- Prioritize seasonal eating. We understand not all regions have a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, however, consuming produce that is in season helps reduce transportation time, ensuring a fresher product for your enjoyment.
- Support local produce! We consider local produce to be harvested within the same state. Again, it's all about getting fresher products. Eating local also supports local farmers, puts money back into your local economy, and reduces the amount of fossil fuels used to transport the produce.
Implementing these exceptional dining programs is a privilege for our communities, as they enhance our residents' lives in a meaningful way. To discover what's next on our menu, click the button below to reach out to the community nearest you.