10/15/2026

You Asked... We Answered

Can produce grown in a facility garden be served to nursing home residents?

You Asked: Can produce grown in a facility garden be served to nursing home residents? 

We Answered: Yes. Under §483.60(i)(1), nursing homes may serve produce grown in facility gardens, provided applicable safe growing and food-handling practices are followed. This includes vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown on the facility's premises.

Facilities must have and follow policies and procedures for maintaining and harvesting their gardens. These procedures should address safe growing and handling practices, including following manufacturers' instructions when applying pesticides, fertilizers, or other topical or root-based plant preparations. Compliance with applicable state and local requirements must also be maintained. 

The Ohio State University offers a Food Safety While Preparing and Maintaining the Garden Module, and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment provides a sample Long-Term Care Facility Garden Policy. Facilities could consider using these resources in collaboration with their local health department when reviewing or developing their own garden policies and procedures.