The Gettysburg Hospital Foundation is making a significant impact in Adams County, thanks to generous donors committed to improving their community. In fiscal year 2025, the foundation will award over $270,000 in grants to provide essential resources, driving advancements in healthcare and ensuring WellSpan remains at the forefront of medical innovation in service to our community.
This fiscal year, the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation is focused on enhancing healthy options and food access for various demographics within Adams County. According to the Adams County Food Policy Council, 26% of families struggle to pay their monthly bills, often cutting their food budgets and opting for canned goods over fresh produce due to cost. This “food gap” affects families who earn too much for food stamps but too little to afford nutritious food.
One standout program addressing this issue is Healthy Options, managed by Healthy Adams County and funded by foundation donors. The program helps families access fresh, nutritious food, which can prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition.
Blanca Herrera, an Adams County resident since 2004, faced challenges maintaining a healthy diet due to financial constraints. Her life changed when she joined the Healthy Options Program.
“Healthy Options has been a game-changer for me,” Herrera explains. “I used to struggle to afford fruits and vegetables, but now I can, and I’ve seen a significant improvement in my health. It’s also helped me set a healthy example for my family.”
Grateful for the support, Herrera now volunteers as a Healthy Options group leader. “I’m immensely thankful for this program,” she says. “By volunteering, I hope others in our community can benefit too. It’s truly a fantastic initiative.”
Through Healthy Options, participants receive $50 monthly vouchers for fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and meats at Adams County Farmers Market and Kennie’s Market. The program also offers gardening classes, farm tour,s and healthy cooking classes, empowering participants to maintain and enhance their health.
Additional programs support families using SNAP. The Double Dollars program doubles SNAP recipients’ fresh purchases up to $30 and WIC and Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program vouchers. The Fruit and Veggie Bucks program at Kennie’s Market offers a 50% discount on the five highest-priced fruits and vegetables daily.
In fiscal year 2025, Gettysburg Hospital Foundation will allocate $116,000 to these initiatives:
- Healthy Options: 155 families will receive $50 monthly vouchers.
- Fruit & Veggie Bucks: 700 SNAP recipients will receive a 50% discount on fruits and vegetables.
- Double Dollars Program: Supporting 150 SNAP and 250 WIC families, doubling their benefits for eligible items and offering nutrition education, cooking and gardening classes, farm tours and wellness activities.
An additional $48,125 will benefit senior citizens:
- Double Dollars for Seniors Farmers Market: 400 seniors will see their state food vouchers doubled during the farmers’ market season.
- Senior Healthy Options: 125 seniors will receive $35 vouchers from July to October at the market and November to April at Kennie’s Market.
Since 2014, the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million in grants to benefit our community. Thanks to the generous support we received in fiscal year 2025, we were able to award additional grants for several important initiatives:
- Supporting children’s health with car seats and Halo sleep sacks
- Updating equipment, including Echo tables and the Ally Uterine Positioner
- Offering mental health and grief resources
- Providing medically guided health classes
Generous donor support continues to make a significant difference.
For more information about the Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, call 717-337-4175 or visit their website.