Lincoln Memorial Hospital

Promoting Healthy Eating for Low-Income Residents

Wellness is a community effort at Lincoln Memorial Hospital’s (formerly Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital) producer-only farmers market. Local farmers provide a wide selection of fresh and local produce, meat, eggs and baked goods—and residents get the chance to meet the people who grow their food.

Held indoors from May through September, the hospital's Market is an extension of the hospital’s mission to improve health and reduce obesity in the community, while supporting the local economy. The market serves the 32,000 residents of Logan and eastern Mason counties—and is inclusive of everyone. Participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can purchase food with their Link card. The market matches every dollar spent with a Link card, meaning low-income residents can spend more on healthy foods.

Free offerings include:

• Health screenings;
• Cooking demonstrations;
• Moving at the Market programs that promote walking at the track on site;
• The Power of Produce Club, which teaches children about healthy eating; and
• Parking and admission.

In 2019, the market:

• Had an average of 650 weekly visits;
• Matched over $6,000 in SNAP dollars;
• Provided more than 800 free health screenings; and
• Generated over $160,000 for local vendors.

Launched in 2016, the market is part of Lincoln Memorial Hospital Community Health Collaborative, which is supported by the hospital's Foundation.