Maryland Physician Care Donates $20,000 to Community Assistance Network, Inc.
(Left to Right)
Carla Schroyer, Director of Community Choice Pantry Services
Richard Francis, Director of Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm
Lorena de Leon, DPA, MBA, Sr. Director, Population Health and SDoH, Maryland Physicians Care
Maryland Physicians Care (MPC)—a statewide Medicaid managed care organization owned by Ascension Saint Agnes, Holy Cross Health, Meritus Health, and UPMC Western Maryland—has donated $20,000.00 to Community Assistance Network, Inc. (CAN) located in Baltimore County, to support sourcing fresh produce from Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm in Baltimore City.
CAN oversees Community Choice Pantry, which provides weekly supplements of healthy food to low-income, food-eligible Baltimore County residents based on USDA food pyramid guidelines. Adequate funding to purchase quality fruits and vegetables, in addition to delivery services, is a critical barrier to being able to provide healthy food resources to vulnerable neighbors in Baltimore County.
MPC’s generous donation has helped create a sustainable partnership between Community Choice Pantry and Richard Francis, known as “Farmer Chippy,” and his team of farmers at Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm to help supply organic produce from its urban farming spaces. “I’m thrilled to be able to bring cleaner foods to my fellow Baltimoreans, creating food security that nourishes and helps our community to thrive,” said Farmer Chippy.
“I have always had a heart destined to serve others. When you sit in a room with others with the same heart for service, it is amazing what you can accomplish,” said Carla Schroyer, Director of Community Choice Pantry Services. “The partnership between Community Assistance Network, Maryland Physicians Care, and Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm is a shining example of possibilities that can become a reality.”
“CAN is thrilled to benefit from a growing partnership with Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm and Maryland Physicians Care,” said Bill Wells, CEO of CAN. “These relationships allow us to offer fresh produce to our Pantry neighbors, promoting healthier eating, and improved health outcomes. We are united with these partners, seeing food as medicine and are eager to build on this foundation.”
“MPC understands the importance of access to healthy produce and the impact on health outcomes. We are grateful to have the opportunity to support the missions of CAN and Plantation Park Heights to address food insecurity in Baltimore City and Baltimore County,” said Dr. Lorena de Leon, Sr. Director, Population Health and Social Determinants of Health at MPC.
Maryland Physicians Care provides free, quality health care services to Maryland’s HealthChoice enrollees by extending the full benefits of Medicaid through a comprehensive network of medical providers. MPC believes in helping its members make good health decisions.
Those interested in enrolling with MPC must first qualify for Medicaid at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.
About
Maryland Physicians Care: Maryland Physicians Care (MPC), headquartered in Linthicum Heights, Md., provides free, quality health care services to Maryland’s HealthChoice enrollees by extending the full benefits of Medicaid through a comprehensive network of medical providers. MPC was founded in 1996 and is owned by Ascension Saint Agnes, Holy Cross Health, Meritus Health, and UPMC Western Maryland. MPC believes in helping its members make good decisions about their health through free, quality health care services. Those interested in enrolling with MPC must be qualifying members of HealthChoice, a program of the Maryland Department of Health. Learn more about MPC by visiting mpcMedicaid.com. Enroll with MPC at mpcmedicaid.com/enroll.
The Community Assistance Network, Inc.: The Community Assistance Network, Inc. (CAN) mission is to work in partnership with the community to develop, operate, and support programs that reduce vulnerability and empower personal growth, dignity, stability, and self-sufficiency among people in Baltimore County experiencing economic challenges. CAN is a Baltimore County-based nonprofit organization established in 1965 as part of a national network of over 1,000 Community Action Agencies. Its efforts focus on mitigating the impacts of poverty through access to healthy food, housing, income security, and self-sufficiency. Visit canconnects.org for more information.
Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm: Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm is a unique non-profit oasis in the heart of Baltimore, dedicated to sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to cultivate healthy, organic produce while fostering a deeper connection between people and the land. Through our farm, we offer a space where individuals and families can explore the beauty of urban agriculture, participate in farm-to-table activities, and learn about the importance of a vibrant, local food system. At Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm, we’re not just growing food—we’re growing a healthier, more connected community. To learn more or visit our farm: https://plantationparkheights.org/about.
