Press Release 10/26/20

PERTH AMBOY, NJ – Hackensack Meridian Raritan Bay Medical Center Perth Amboy is wrapping up its sixth season of its Learning Garden. To date, the Learning Garden has harvested 185 pounds of produce that has been given to Raritan Bay Medical Center patients or patrons of Peter’s Pantry in Perth Amboy. 

“With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt strongly in the beginning of the season to grow a variety of nutritious vegetable and herbs and to provide them to those in need locally,” said Thomas Shanahan, chief hospital executive, Raritan Bay Medical Center. 

The Learning Garden produces various different produce including, asparagus, basil, beans, kale, potatoes, turnips, beets, cabbage, chives, dill, squash, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, lettuce, onions, parsley, pepper, sage, tomatoes, and much more.

In addition, The Learning Garden has programs that focus on educating the community and Raritan Bay Medical Center team members about the benefits of organic container gardening and the nutritional and medicinal value of fresh produce. Raritan Bay Medical Center’s Nina Regevik, M.D., FACP, ABIHM, medical director, Integrative Health and select community partners work together to provide education. Assisting the Learning Garden is garden expert, Alan DeFalco. 

For more information about Raritan Bay Medical Center, please visit www.rbmc.org.