Delaware Valley University Partners with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for "Food as Medicine" Program

Doylestown, PA (04/30/2025) — Delaware Valley University (DelVal) is proud to announce its partnership with Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on its impactful "Food as Medicine" program. Through this collaboration, DelVal will cultivate and deliver fresh, locally-grown produce from its campus farms to support food-insecure patients and their families receiving care at CHOP.

Beginning in June and continuing through Thanksgiving, DelVal will coordinate bi-weekly distributions, providing up to 400 pounds of fresh, seasonal produce per delivery. This significant contribution will total over 5,000 pounds of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables for CHOP patients throughout the program's duration.

CHOP's "Food as Medicine" initiative was launched as a pilot program in 2022, born from the critical need to address food instability faced by families, a challenge amplified by the pandemic. Victoria Armstrong, MSW, Community Health Programs Coordinator for CHOP Primary Care, spearheaded the development of this vital program. The vision was to create a comprehensive approach that not only provides access to nutritious food but also offers essential nutrition education to families.

"We wanted a holistic approach that encompasses the mind and body," explains Armstrong. "Our activities are designed to engage the children, but importantly, the parents learn alongside them, empowering them to make informed nutritional choices for their families."

The fresh produce for this program will be cultivated with care by DelVal faculty, staff and students across the University's agricultural facilities, including its main campus farms, the Roth Farm, and its two innovative, state-of-the-art freight farms. Emphasizing its commitment to experiential learning, DelVal will actively involve its students in every stage of this initiative. From the initial planning and planting to the meticulous harvesting and efficient logistics, students will gain invaluable hands-on experience while contributing to a meaningful cause. They will also have the opportunity to take a leadership role in certain aspects of the project.

"We are extremely grateful for this opportunity to support such a vital and highly respected institution in our community, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia," stated Broc Sandelin, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Delaware Valley University. "This partnership perfectly aligns with our mission of providing real-world learning experiences for our students while making a tangible difference in the lives of others. We are immensely proud of the contributions our faculty and students will make to the health and well-being of CHOP's patients and their families."

Sandelin credited Chris Becker, DelVal's Director of Agricultural Operations, as the main catalyst of the program from the University's side. Becker proved instrumental to the planning and development of the program from day one, and Sandelin looks forward to his continued leadership of this great initiative for years to come.

This collaboration between Delaware Valley University and CHOP exemplifies the power of community partnerships in addressing critical social determinants of health, such as food insecurity. By integrating fresh, healthy food into the care plans of vulnerable patients, the "Food as Medicine" program aims to improve health outcomes and foster long-term well-being.

Media Attachments

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DelVal farms on campus

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DelVal's Freight Farm