Taylor Rider, D.O., third-year resident, UPMC, took the lead in securing the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) grant, making her a driving force behind this multi-faceted initiative aimed at improving food access and community health in the local community.

Drip Irrigation System

A new drip irrigation system is now up and running at the Salvation Army Community Garden thanks to Rider’s initiative, and was installed through a collaborative effort involving John Boll, D.O., faculty member, UPMC Williamsport Family Medicine Residency; UPMC Williamsport Facilities team members; Sid Furst, garden manager, Salvation Army; and Salvation Army volunteers.

This project represents a significant step toward expanding the garden’s capacity to grow fresh, local produce for individuals and families in need. The garden’s new infrastructure is expected to increase yields, reduce maintenance, and enhance educational and volunteer programming.

According to the Central Pa. Food Bank, one in 10 people in this region experience food insecurity, an issue that disproportionately affects children and seniors. The Salvation Army Community Garden helps fill this gap by providing healthy produce through local food programs.

Vital Roots

Rider’s vision for addressing food insecurity goes beyond the garden.

The PAFP funding will also support the launch of Vital Roots, a series of community teaching kitchens that combine fresh produce from the garden and items from local food banks to create whole food, plant-based meals. These kitchens are designed not only to nourish but to educate and empower participants with practical tools for better health.

The Vital Roots teaching kitchens will be held in partnership with Family Promise of Lycoming County, 635 Hepburn St., Williamsport, on the following Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.:

• Aug. 7

• Aug. 28

• Sept. 25

• Oct. 9

• Oct. 30

All Lycoming County residents are invited to attend. Registration is required due to limited space. Call 570-321-2345 to secure a spot.

The classes are part of the residency’s Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum (LMRC), now in its fifth year under the leadership of Elizabeth Anderson, M.D., and Adwoa Boahene, M.D., both board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine. The LMRC emphasizes six pillars of health: whole-food, plant-based eating, physical activity, sleep, stress management, substance use avoidance, and social connection.

Graduating residents who complete the curriculum are eligible to sit for the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine certification exam.

“Food insecurity is more than just a lack of food — it’s a root cause of chronic disease,” said Anderson. “Dr. Rider recognized this and responded not only with a plan, but with action. Through her leadership, we are meeting patients where they are — right in the kitchen.”

The combined efforts of Rider and the residency team are addressing health disparities head-on. Whether installing irrigation lines or sautéing vegetables in a community kitchen, their work is cultivating both healthier diets and stronger communities — one harvest, one meal, and one relationship at a time.