Aspirus Langlade Hospital completed its first harvest from Fork Farms. This sustainable, organic and hydroponic process can yield 360 lbs. of produce annually for the hospital’s cafeteria. A variety of different fruits and vegetables can be grown in as little as 23 days.
“The Flex Farms project is an exciting next step in our sustainability initiative. It is an interesting process to see the produce grow and our first harvest consisted of 18 pounds of lettuce. We are so pleased to have another sustainable, healthy product to offer in our café. We have two dedicated team members that serve as our “farmers” who are managing the system and project. We are grateful to the Community Health Foundation as without their trust and confidence in us and this project, we would not have been able to bring it to fruition.” said Penny Matuszewski, Director of Nutrition & Food Services at Aspirus Langlade Hospital.
“This is such an exciting project and speaks to how we are transforming the ways that Aspirus Langlade Hospital and the Community Health Foundation partner to address some of the top health priorities in our community. The Community Health Foundation continues to be a visible champion in forward thinking approaches to advance the health and wellbeing of our friends and neighbors right here at home.” said Betsy Kommers, Director of Marketing & Fund Development at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. “We are humbled at the incredible generosity of our family of donors that give us the ability to heal, promote health and enrich lives.“
Aspirus is committed to aggressive sustainability goals for the health of the communities it serves. Goals for the 10 Aspirus system hospitals include reducing carbon emissions by 80% and reducing energy costs by 50%, both by 2030.
Aspirus Langlade also recently installed solar panels to help power two of their buildings on the hospital campus. "Installing this solar array allows us to double our effort in reducing both our carbon footprint and energy conservation," said Jason Noskowiak, Director of Maintenance & Facilities at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. "Our mission statement says, “As a Ministry of Jesus we heal people, promote health and strengthen communities.” These solar panels help power the Aspirus Antigo Clinic and Health and Performance Center - showing a direct commitment to our mission."
Aspirus Langlade continues to focus on environmentalism through recycling programs, employee herb gardens and transitioning its fleet vehicles to alternative fuel, including electric vehicles.