Partnerships Reap Rewards for the Garrett County Harvest Hub

By John Corbin, Communications, Data Science, and Informatics Administrator

The Garrett County Health Department is exploring every opportunity to help Garrett County residents prevent and manage chronic diseases. Access to fresh, locally sourced meals is becoming more accessible, as many are discovering through the Harvest Hub CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Meal Initiative.

The meal includes combinations of pasture and forest-raised chicken and pork, grass-fed beef, fresh vegetables, and specialty cheese to feed four generously. It also includes a recipe card, video link, and kitchen supplies when requested and while supplies last.

“The Harvest Hub is a coordinated approach to begin addressing a complex issue, taking the guesswork out of what and how to prepare a nutritious meal. We go the extra mile—not only is the meal healthy and delicious, but it’s also locally sourced to support our community of farms,” said Shelley Argabrite, MA, Director of the Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit at the Garrett County Health Department.

A partnership with the Culinary Program at Southern Garrett High School enables students to prepare the recipe designed with Chef Scardina in an industrial kitchen and video the process. These fun educational videos and many other free resources for our community are available on GoGarrettCounty.com. The chef-curated meal boxes are also affordable. Boxes are available for $30.00 or can be purchased with SNAP benefits for $5.00 because “everyone deserves to eat well,” according to the students at Southern Garrett High School who developed the program’s tagline.

Businesses like FireFly Farms are donating supplies, space, and time, and community members are purchasing meal boxes for people in need. 

“The generosity of our community is unmatched, and it’s incredible to see how Garrett County shows up to help people in need,” said Argabrite.

The program is directed by the Population Health, Innovation, and Informatics Unit at the Garrett County Health Department and made possible by a competitive grant. To learn more about our partners and results, donate a meal box, or learn more ways to get involved as this work continues to grow, please visit GarrettCountyFood.com.