Henry Ford Hospital's "resident farmer," Michelle Lutz, in the hospital's new $1 million greenhouse. Henry Ford Health System photo.
WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Talk about cutting the distance from farm to fork.
Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield Township has built a $1 million greenhouse on its 160-acre campus to grow fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs for use in the hospital year-around, and has hired a "resident farmer" to tend it.
The greenhouse complex, including an education center, was funded entirely by an anonymous donor. The greenhouse will provide clinically based educational programs for a variety of audiences, including children, to make a significant impact on the growing epidemic of obesity.
With more than 16 years of experience, Lutz is the former co-owner of certified organic vegetable Maple Creek Farm in Yale, a resource for Henry Ford West Bloomfield since it opened in 2009.
"On a typical day in the greenhouse, I'm making sure the crops receive proper nutrients, starting seeds to provide a continuous supply of lettuce, and monitoring for plant health, insects, and signs of disease," she said.
The greenhouse uses hydroponics — growing plants in water, instead of soil — to maximize diversity, and maintain space for patients, staff and visitors.
The greenhouse will open on Saturday, Sept. 15, with an event featuring Food Network Star Ellie Krieger, who will be hosting a healthy cooking demonstration and NBA Champion and kidney transplant recipient Alonzo Mourning. Mourning will be sharing his insights with Michigan's first Surgeon General, Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, chief wellness officer, Henry Ford Health System. Detroit Pistons rookie Kim English will also be in attendance.