BCH Concludes 'Food Is Medicine' Program   Hot Springs, VA. (July 22, 2026) — Bath Community Hospital recently concluded its Food Is Medicine initiative, a community-focused program designed to make healthy eating more accessible, practical and engaging for people of all ages. The initiative included an interactive nutrition education program for young children and a Culinary Medicine Demonstration and Nutrition Education program for community members. Together, the events emphasized the connection between nutritious food, disease prevention and overall well-being while providing participants with practical skills they can use every day. As part of the initiative, Bath Community Hospital partnered with Highland Children’s House, Highland Medical Center, Cox Consulting and The BEAR/Bath County Arts to provide an interactive nutrition education activity at Highland Children’s House’s Bath County location. The pilot program served approximately 25 children ages 2 to 7. Children rotated through hands-on learning stations designed to introduce healthy eating habits in fun and engaging ways. Cynthia Maerz, Registered Dietitian with Highland Medical Center, guided children in creating balanced lunches using bento boxes and food cutouts. Jess Flesch, LDN, RDN, with Cox Consulting led a healthy snack activity while providing nutrition education and resources. Bath Community Physicians Group pediatrician Dr. Joe Ott spoke with children about healthy eating habits and how nutritious foods help them grow strong and stay healthy. Sage Tanguay of The BEAR led a nutrition-themed art activity, while Callie Smith, Executive Director of Highland Children’s House, encouraged children to explore new foods through a taste-testing station. At the conclusion of the activity, each child took home a completed bento box, recipes, nutrition resources and educational materials to help continue healthy habits at home. The initiative also included a Culinary Medicine Demonstration and Nutrition Education program at Bath Community Hospital, where community members learned practical ways to prepare nutritious, affordable meals and better understand the role food plays in supporting overall health. The event featured presentations from Kara Snapp, Manager of Health Initiatives with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, who introduced mindful eating practices; Allie Henning, RDN, Community Health and Nutrition Coordinator with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank; and Jess Flesch, LDN, RDN, with Cox Consulting, who led the culinary medicine demonstration and nutrition education. Former Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Joe Guthrie discussed the important relationship between agriculture, local food systems and healthcare. Fresh produce used during the cooking demonstration was provided by Endless Holler Farm. Owner William Barden shared information about the farm and its commitment to providing fresh, locally grown produce while supporting healthier communities through local partnerships and education. Participants prepared their own chicken salad, enjoyed a healthy lunch, received free health screenings and took home cookware, recipes and educational resources to help them continue preparing nutritious meals at home. “Healthy eating is one of the most important investments we can make in our long-term health,” said Dr. Ott. “By giving children and adults practical skills and making nutrition education engaging, we’re helping build healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Food truly can be medicine.” The Food Is Medicine Population Health Pilot Program for Critical Access Hospitals is funded through the Virginia State Office of Rural Health’s Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Grant. Bath Community Hospital thanks Highland Children’s House, Highland Medical Center, Cox Consulting, The BEAR, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Endless Holler Farm and the Virginia State Office of Rural Health for their partnership and support in making the Food Is Medicine initiative possible. * * * About Bath Community Hospital Established in 1916, Bath Community Hospital is a 25-bed, not-for-profit Critical Access Hospital located in Hot Springs, Virginia, in Bath County. The hospital provides 24-hour emergency services along with diagnostic, rehabilitative, pharmacy, general surgery, wellness center, rural health and specialty clinic services.

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