Newark Beth Israel’s Beth Greenhouse Marks 10 Years, 50,000 Pounds Of Fresh Produce

NEWARK, N.J.— Newark Beth Israel Medical Center will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Beth Greenhouse on Thursday, Oct. 22, marking a decade of providing fresh produce and nutrition education to Newark residents.

Since its launch, the greenhouse has supplied 50,000 pounds of fresh produce to hundreds of families, helping expand access to nutritious food in the community.

The Beth Greenhouse, RWJBarnabas Health’s first hydroponic greenhouse, is part of the hospital’s efforts to promote healthier lifestyles by connecting residents with fresh fruits and vegetables and offering health and wellness education.

The anniversary celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Newark Strong Lobby at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Ave.

The event will include a farmers market and local vendor fair, remarks from community leaders, and opportunities for attendees to tour the greenhouse.

Scheduled speakers include Darrell K. Terry Sr., president and CEO of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey, and Barbara Mintz, senior vice president of social impact and community investment at RWJBarnabas Health. Local partners, elected officials, and community members are also expected to attend.

Expanding access to healthy food

Beyond growing fresh produce, the Beth Greenhouse supports the hospital’s broader commitment to improving community health and addressing barriers to nutritious food.

Produce grown at the greenhouse is available through the hospital’s seasonal farmers market, held Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June through November, in the hospital lobby.

The market accepts benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

It also participates in City Green’s Good Food Bucks program, which helps make fresh produce more affordable for eligible shoppers.

By offering multiple ways to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, the market aims to make healthy food more accessible to residents, including families facing financial barriers.

A decade of community investment

The greenhouse is one of several community wellness initiatives supported by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a 665-bed teaching hospital and part of RWJBarnabas Health.

The health system’s community programs focus on addressing social factors that affect health, including access to nutritious food, housing, and economic opportunity.

The anniversary celebration will recognize the greenhouse’s 10 years of service and its role in connecting Newark families with fresh produce and wellness resources.

Following the speaking program, attendees will have an opportunity to tour the greenhouse, located at the corner of Osborne Terrace and Lehigh Avenue on the hospital campus.

**Event details:** The 10th anniversary celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, 201 Lyons Ave., Newark.

For more information about Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and its community programs, visit [rwjbh.org/NewarkBeth](https://www.rwjbh.org/NewarkBeth).