Mercy Health is teaming up with Toledo GROWs to enhance access to healthy foods for families in the community’s underserved areas. Through this partnership, Toledo GROWs will expand its community garden initiatives, helping families in some of the city’s most food-insecure neighborhoods.
The Mercy Health Foundation has awarded a $68,500 Community Health Fund grant to Toledo GROWs, supporting its efforts to increase the reach and impact of community gardens in ZIP codes 43608, 43610 and 43620. The focus is on improving health and wellness by empowering individuals to grow and consume fresh, nutritious food.
“Food insecurity and limited access to healthy food continue to be major challenges in Toledo, particularly in neighborhoods located in food deserts,” said Jessica Henry, community health director at Mercy Health- Toledo. “Mercy Health is proud to partner with Toledo GROWs to bring healthy food to families in need. A healthy lifestyle starts with access to healthy food and we are committed to ensuring more Toledoans have the resources they need to live healthier lives.”
Toledo GROWs, an organization dedicated to teaching individuals and families how to grow and eat healthy food, has been serving the Toledo community since 1995. The nonprofit has created a network of more than 100 community gardens and offers a variety of educational programs for both youth and adults, as well as volunteer opportunities. Its mission is to not only provide access to nutritious food but also to foster community connections and beautify neighborhoods.
“We are excited to deepen our collaboration with Mercy Health to continue expanding the impact of Toledo GROWs,” said Yvonne Dubielak, executive director of Toledo GROWs. “Together, we can make a lasting difference in these communities by providing families with the tools and knowledge to improve their health.”
The new partnership will focus on gardens located in Toledo’s most underserved ZIP codes, providing essential materials and support for residents. This includes coordinating purchases and deliveries, as well as hosting events to promote healthy eating and community engagement.
Toledo GROWs is already a partner in the Getting Healthy Zone project, a collaborative initiative involving more than 30 community organizations working together to improve health in central Toledo neighborhoods adjacent to Mercy Health-St. Vincent Medical Center. This new partnership further strengthens their shared commitment to addressing health disparities and improving access to healthy food for all Toledo residents.
The partnership with Toledo GROWs furthers Mercy Health’s work in support of critical health disparities in the community, with specific focus on underserved areas. In January 2024, the Mercy Health Foundation awarded a Community Health Fund award of $290,000 to help revitalize the Friendly Center located within the historic Vistula neighborhood. Since then, the Vistula Foundation assumed operational control of the Friendly Center and leverage the network and expertise of Mercy Health and other partners to provide resources that address community needs.
