Did you know that only 19% of residents in western Washtenaw County eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables per day (versus 33% in Ann Arbor or 25% county-wide)? This finding by the HIP 2005 Survey inspired the Healthy Communities Steering Committee of Chelsea Community Hospital to take action!

This May, Chelsea Community Hospital (CCH) launched "Bushel Basket," a new onsite weekly farmers' market with the support of Washtenaw Steps Up funding, made possible through Michigan Department of Community Health. This innovative approach was inspired by Kaiser Permanente's commitment to opening year-round weekly farmers' markets outside their medical centers and clinics.

Held Wednesdays from 2:30-6:30 pm each week, the market increases opportunities for hospital employees, patients, and the general public to access fresh and local fruits, vegetables, and other foods such as baked goods, jams/jellies, and eggs. The market also allows vendors to have a much needed location to sell their products after the Chelsea Fair Grounds farmers' market location was closed in 2006.

Since May, the Bushel Basket has enjoyed more than 1,000 customer visits and $10,000 in sales. Approximately 10 vendors each week provide shoppers a variety of selections. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the CCH staff who have coordinated the market's first year - Kerry Colligan, Helene Graham, Amy Heydlauff, and Christy Lange - and to the supportive CCH administration who have made this effort possible!

For more information on this or other Washtenaw Steps Up projects, contact Lily Guzman at 544-2983.