Hoop House Aims to Grow a Greener, Healthier Future

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor is staying ahead of the times by returning to its roots. On a chilly, misty morning last week, a team of workers constructed a solar-warming 'hoop house' to grow tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables.

When the land yields crops later this summer, the produce will be included in hospital food and sold at a farmer's market on campus.

A century ago, farmers plowed the ground and raised crops where St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor's 364 acre campus is today. On April 14, a horse-drawn plow tilled a four-acre plot under the shadow of the new North Tower in a field near Clarke Road.

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"We are excited to be able to use the land in its original form." said Rob Casalou, president and CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor, Saline and Livingston, adding that produce not sold will be donated to Food Gatherers of Washtenaw County.

To start, the hoop house and garden will grow vegetables including tomatoes, basil, broccoli, lettuce and peppers. Dan Bair, a local farmer contracted by St. Joe's, will tend to the land and run a farmer's market, initially set to be held two days a week at the hospital.

"When it comes to healthy eating, one of the most difficult aspects for people is finding quality produce at reasonable cost," says Lisa McDowell registered dietitian, St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. "We get many consultation requests from patients hoping to lose weight and begin living healthier lifestyles. Opening a farmer's market featuring home-grown produce is a great way to enhance the healthy eating habits of people in our community."

St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor erected the first hoop house and planted one acre of farmland on April 13; the second hoop house will follow in July.  At the end of the project, St. Joseph Mercy plans to have 12 hoop houses and a fruit orchard on the campus.

"Initially, we will sell the produce at a farmer's market held at the hospital and donate produce to Food Gatherers," explained Casalou. "As the farmland expands, we will integrate the vegetables grown on our land to the cafeteria and patient menus. This is an opportunity for us to live our mission and provide healthy food to the people in need throughout our community."