Aramark Healthcare+ is strengthening community connections within hospital settings by hosting on-site farmer’s markets that offer fresh, locally sourced produce and goods. These markets are more than just a source of nutritious food—they foster a strong sense of community, promote wellness, and create moments of connection in clinical environments for patients, visitors, and staff. By integrating local agriculture into healthcare settings, Aramark is helping redefine what healing spaces can look and feel like.
“Aramark Healthcare+ is committed to going beyond for our partners and the communities they serve,” said Bart Kaericher, President and CEO of Aramark Healthcare+. “These markets are more than just events focused on fresh food and other products; they’re morale boosters, wellness promoters, and community builders.”
Texas Health Resources HEB
At Texas Health Resources HEB, Simone Garnett, Aramark Healthcare+’s Retail Manager, launched her first farmer’s market just five months into her role. The event featured Texas-grown produce including heirloom tomatoes, locally made olive oils, hatch queso, and freshly baked sourdough bread—alongside tropical additions like pineapples.
“Our first farmer’s market was a great way to connect with the staff and guests to provide them with healthy, accessible food options,” said Garnett. “The market was a hit with our hospital community, and many asked for it to become a regular event. The enthusiasm it generated made the market a highly anticipated event. I am now planning a Fall Farmers Market event in October, and I know it is going to be just as exciting”
Blessing Hospital
Elizabeth Lombardi, Blessing Hospital’s Director of Clinical Nutrition, started the hospital’s farmer’s market to provide access to healthy, local, reduced-cost produce to employees and the hospital community. Since then, the market has evolved into a full-scale initiative. Featuring 20–25 vendors per event, the market includes dietitian tables, live chef demos, and seasonal produce stands from local vendors. Blessing Hospital, located in Quincy, Illinois, holds their market three to four times per year, including a popular holiday market.
Drawing from her experience launching a successful farmer’s market, Lombardi developed a comprehensive playbook designed to help other Aramark accounts, across all lines of business, not just Healthcare+, start their own markets. She distilled her insights and lessons learned into a practical resource called, “Farmers Markets: A Guide to Getting Started.”
“When we started the farmer’s market at Blessing Hospital, our goal was simple: make fresh, local produce more accessible to our staff and community. Over time, it grew into something much bigger which inspired me to create a guide to help others do the same,” said Lombardi.
Endeavor Health
Across Endeavor Health in Illinois, several partner hospitals hosted farmer’s markets this summer starting with Northwest Community Hospital. The team at Endeavor was able to partner with a local farm for markets at their accounts. The team at NCH ordered produce and shelf-stable items tailored to their community’s preferences based on experience from pervious markets.
“From biscuits paired with apple butter to fresh-baked pies, each market is a showcase of creativity and local flavor. Each account has been trying to outdo the others with variety and offerings,” said Brian Steward, System Executive Chef at Endeavor Health, Aramark Healthcare+.
Boulder Community Health
Boulder Community Health held their first farmer’s market in August as a way to celebrate the end of summer by bringing a fresh and engaging event directly to hospital staff. The market featured a mix of items, including in-house baked goods, with homemade sourdough being one of the first items to sell out. The market also featured Boulder Community Health’s Executive Chef’s chimichurri, pumpkin cake slices, Palisade peaches, cherries, watermelon, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, all being the most popular.
All produce was sourced from four local Colorado Farms.
“The response was better than we could have hoped for, so much great feedback and appreciation from staff and visitors. It really reinforced how meaningful these kinds of events can be. We’re already excited and planning for our Fall Market, where we’ll bring in new seasonal favorites,” said Alaina Devenney-Copico, Boulder Community Health Director of Food & Nutrition Services.
