Holy Cross Health partners with Community FarmShare and Montgomery College to promote healthy eating and food access

Silver Spring, Md. (September 9, 2026) – Holy Cross Health, a member of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, hosted a live healthy cooking demonstration at Community FarmShare’s Mobile Farm Market on Thursday, August 13. The event showcased practical ways to prepare nutritious meals using locally grown produce while supporting ongoing efforts to expand equitable access to healthy foods.

Holy Cross Health representatives—Avery Cross, coordinator of the Food Security Initiatives Program and Nickole Palma, community health worker of the Food Security Initiatives—prepared recipes using fruits and vegetables available for purchase at the market and provided food samples, tips for preparing and storing produce at home and nutrition education materials available in both Spanish and English. More than 45 community members attended the Mobile Farm Market and explored the demonstration’s offerings.

Access to nutritious food remains a significant health and equity challenge across Montgomery County. Food insecurity continues to rise across the region, alongside increasing grocery prices. According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2025 Hunger Report, 35 percent of county residents experience food insecurity, which is up from 27 percent in 2023.

“When people have access to healthy food and the knowledge to make informed choices, it can have a real impact on their health and wellbeing,” said Kimberley McBride, MPH, Regional Vice President of Community Health and Well-Being, Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic. “Through partnerships like this, we're helping connect our community to fresh local produce, nutrition education, and resources that support healthier lifestyles.”

Community FarmShare currently operates nine free-choice Mobile Farm Markets in communities that historically have had limited access to affordable, nutrient-rich food options. All produce available through the markets is grown locally in Montgomery County or the greater Mid-Atlantic region. The markets offer subsidized prices and accept SNAP/EBT and SUN Bucks.

This ongoing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity and improving community health.  

As part of its mission to serve the community beyond the walls of its hospitals and health centers, Holy Cross Health works with local partners to promote health, prevent illness, and improve the quality of life for residents throughout Montgomery County. This event is one example of how collaborating with community-serving organizations can help bring key services directly to residents.