September 12, 2018

Brandy-Joe Milliron, PhD, an assistant professor in the nutrition sciences department, has been asked to join the board of d irectors of Greener Partners. As a new member, she’ll help shape curriculum development and program evaluation strategies for programs with Farm Explorer and Deaver Wellness Farm at Lankenau Medical Center.

Greener Partners is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission broadly focuses on “creating healthy communities through food, farms and education.” Through their four major programs, Greener Partners promotes sustainable agriculture and education programs designed to strengthen access to fresh local food, educate people about the origins of their food and empower individuals to grow their own food and make healthier choices.

Their programs include:

1. The Norristown Healthy Food Project: Greener Partners provides weekly fresh food and bilingual food education to families through a unique school-based food distribution program.
2. SOL (Sustainable Organic Local) Food Teen Leadership: This program is a year-long job training program where teens learn about food justice, sustainable farming practices and seasonal cooking.
3. Deaver Wellness Farm: This farm is located at Lankenau Medical Center, where it grows organic produce. The produce is distributed to patients at the medical center, and cooking demonstrations show patients and staff how to prepare featured produce.
4. Farm Explorer^TM: This is a mobile farm that features hands-on student lessons about local agriculture, seasonal eating, cooking and nutrition. Farm Explorerä visits a variety of settings including schools, community centers and community events.