August 16, 2018—On Tuesday, PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) hosted an open house at the PCC Austin Farm. In partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers, PCC participated in National Health Center Week to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers. PCC is proud to be a community health center. As such, PCC provides affordable primary care and other support services to individuals and families with low incomes.
The PCC Austin Farm offers low-priced, organically-grown produce to the Austin community. It is situated across from PCC Austin Family Health Center, one of PCC’s highest volume clinics. By eating healthier foods, PCC hopes that their patients and other community residents will have better health.
The open house was filled with festive activities. Attendees explored the farm, sampled healthy snacks, and participated in hands-on gardening activities. Also, the PCC Austin Farm Stand was open. Visitors were able to choose among a variety of seasonal items, including yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, onions, peaches, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
As part of National Health Center Week, PCC honored a local health center advocate. Alderman Emma Mitts of the 37th Ward has been a champion of community health centers. She is a compassionate leader who supports various initiatives that meet the needs of the people who live in her ward. Recognizing the benefits of healthy eating, Alderman Mitts is delighted with PCC’s innovative urban farm and farm stand. A native of Arkansas, Mitts said, “I’m a farm girl, so I understand farming.” She was there for the farm’s groundbreaking and reaffirmed her support of PCC at the open house. “We’re doing all the right things,” she said, “providing fresh produce for our community.”
This summer, the farm stand will remain open every Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., as well as the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., until October 20. Located at 330 N. Lotus Avenue in Chicago, the stand accepts various payment methods, including cash, credit/debit, LINK, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program vouchers and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) farmers’ market coupons. Double value incentives are available for LINK and WIC purchases.
For more information about the PCC Austin Farm, upcoming workshops, or opportunities to volunteer, contact PCC at 773-413-1240 or info @ pccwellness.org.
