UPMC Williamsport Residency Team Launches Initiatives to Boost Food Security
The UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency team has made a promising step towards enhancing food security in Lycoming County by installing a new drip irrigation system at the Salvation Army Community Garden on Park Avenue. They are also introducing “Vital Roots,” a series of community teaching kitchens aimed at empowering local residents with cooking skills.
Dr. Taylor Rider, a third-year resident, played a key role in securing a grant from the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) for this comprehensive initiative. Her efforts focus not just on improving food access, but also on fostering better health in the local community.
Drip Irrigation System
Thanks to Dr. Rider’s initiative, the newly installed drip irrigation system at the Salvation Army Community Garden is now operational. This collaborative effort involved several members, including Dr. John Boll, a faculty member, the UPMC Facilities team, garden manager Sid Furst, and dedicated Salvation Army volunteers. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to significantly improve the garden’s ability to produce fresh, local fruits and vegetables for families in need, leading to better yields and lower maintenance.
According to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, one in ten people in the region faces food insecurity, particularly affecting children and elderly individuals. The Salvation Army Community Garden aims to alleviate this issue by providing healthy produce to local food programs.
Vital Roots
Dr. Rider’s vision extends beyond the garden itself. With support from the PAFP grant, the Vital Roots program will offer community teaching kitchens that focus on creating whole food, plant-based meals. These kitchens will utilize fresh produce from the garden along with items from local food banks. Participants will not only enjoy nourishing meals but will also gain practical tools for healthier living.
The Vital Roots teaching kitchens will be held in partnership with Family Promise of Lycoming County at 635 Hepburn St., Williamsport. Classes will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on the following Thursdays:
- August 7
- August 28
- September 25
- October 9
- October 30
Residents of Lycoming County are welcome to join, but registration is necessary due to limited space. Interested individuals should call 570-321-2345 to reserve their spot.
These classes are a part of the Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC), now in its fifth year under the guidance of Dr. Elizabeth Anderson and Dr. Adwoa Boahene, both certified in Lifestyle Medicine. The curriculum emphasizes six pillars of health: whole-food plant-based eating, physical activity, sleep, stress management, substance use avoidance, and strong social connections.
Dr. Anderson highlighted the importance of addressing food insecurity, stating, “It’s more than just a lack of food — it’s a root cause of chronic disease.” She praised Dr. Rider for her proactive approach, emphasizing that their efforts meet patients where they are — right in the kitchen.
Through initiatives like the irrigation system installation and community cooking classes, Dr. Rider and her team are tackling health disparities head-on. Their collective efforts are nurturing healthier diets and building stronger communities, one meal and one garden at a time.
