Aspirus Ironwood trying their hand at sustainable gardening to benefit patients.

UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. – Aspirus Health’s Upper Peninsula hospitals are trying their hand at sustainable gardening with the introduction of vertical hydroponic gardens. These new gardens are part of Aspirus Health’s systemwide environmental sustainability initiative.  The four hydroponic gardens recently added across the Upper Peninsula region join others established throughout the Aspirus system over the last two years.  All Aspirus UP hospitals including Aspirus Ironwood, and Aspirus Ontonagon – will be growing lettuce as their first crop, but a variety of fruits and vegetables can be grown in as little as 23 days. The gardens can potentially yield 7,260 servings of lettuce annually at each hospital. The lettuce will be used for wraps, salads, and other creative dishes in the hospital cafeterias. The gardens also allow for the expansion of the Aspirus Prescription for Health Program. The Program is designed to help eligible patients eat more fruits and vegetables.