Volunteers in Medicine expands “edible” parking lot

Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Hilton Head Island has expanded its parking area to better serve patients and staff — and, in keeping with the clinic’s mission, the project grows more than just pavement.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Oct. 16, clinic leaders, town officials and community supporters celebrated the new “edible” parking lot, which features added green space planted with banana trees, citrus and nut trees, and culinary herbs. The expansion provides 58 new parking spaces and reflects the clinic’s focus on linking wellness, nutrition and access to care.

The land for the project was donated to the clinic through a land lease from the Town of Hilton Head Island. Mayor Alan Perry joined VIM Executive Director Dr. John Newman, Diane Wilson of VIM, and Ray Deal from the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce at the ceremony, which drew more than 40 attendees.

“VIM not only treats illness, but champions prevention and wellness,” Newman said. “Every patient receives personalized counseling on nutrition, physical activity and healthy habits. VIM’s wellness program and innovative Food as Medicine initiative is helping our community thrive from the inside out.”

In addition to its edible landscaping, VIM operates a hydroponic “Farm-acy” that produces more than 30,000 leafy greens annually. The produce supports the clinic’s Food as Medicine program, which encourages patients to incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily lives.

According to the clinic, growth in both its patient and volunteer base made the expansion necessary to accommodate increased activity at its Hilton Head Island facility.

Founded in 1993, Volunteers in Medicine serves uninsured and medically underserved residents and workers on Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands.

The nonprofit does not accept federal funding, relying instead on grants, donations and fundraising events. For more information, visit www.vimclinic.org.