June 23 Fun Run/Walk Links Families with Farm-Fresh Healthy Food

Release Date: 
June 6, 2018

CVMC Fun Run racers

Berlin, VT – Looking for a walk or fun running race for a good cause? Join Saturday, June 23’s five-mile Fun Run/Walk around Berlin Pond and help central Vermonters get essential healthy foods.

All proceeds benefit the Health Care Share, a farm-to-hospital public health program that connects Vermont families with fresh, healthy food and nutrition education at their doctor’s office. The Health Care Share is a partnership between the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) and The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC), with support from Hunger Mountain Co-op.

Pre-register at www.cvmc.org/fun-run by Wednesday, June 20 for $20 or register the day of the event for $25. The fee includes race gifts for children and adults and prizes for top finishers in all groups.

The event kicks off with a Kids’ Fun Race at 8:45 a.m. Adults start walking and running at 9 a.m.

Parking for the Fun Run/Walk is at the Berlin town clerk’s office only (108 Shed Road). No parking will be permitted along the race course.

The Health Care Share, which debuted at CVMC in 2012, connects Vermonters with fresh, healthy food and nutrition education at their doctor’s office. Health care providers identify patient families experiencing food insecurity, diet-related illness or other distinct health risks and prescribe a more nutritious diet with a Health Care Share, which is 15 weeks of fresh fruits and vegetables. VYCC Farm crews grow and distribute shares to local family practices, medical centers and community clinics across Vermont.

The Health Care Share helps participants learn affordable, achievable ways of maintaining a healthy diet and shopping for fresh food. This unique approach to preventative medicine and public health is provided to all Health Care Share members.

“Helping folks make the most of their food budgets couldn’t be easier than by putting one foot in front of the other on June 23,” said Monica Urquhart, race director and CVMC’s manager of Employee Relations, Health and Wellness.

“Last year, 150 local families enjoyed the healthy benefits of farm-fresh produce thanks to the generous support of events like the Fun Run,” said Robert Patterson, CVMC’s vice president of Human Resources and Clinical Operations. “Your participation June 23 means more central Vermonters will benefit. We hope you’ll join us.”

To learn more about the event or how you can give the gift of fresh food to a local family, call 802-371-4191 or contact Monica Urquhart at monica.urquhart@cvmc.org.