DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD PRODUCT SUPPLY SYSTEMS TO SANATORIUMS: CASE ANALYSIS OF AB BIRŠTONAS SANATORIUM "VERSMĖ"

Abstract

The integration of local agriculture and food supply in the operation of health resorts is particularly important in today's fast-paced environment. In order to improve and solve local social, economic and health problems. However, not all Lithuanian sanatoriums seek to cooperate or collaborate with local farmers whose development of agricultural and food supply systems could contribute to improving public health. Sanatoriums often develop long food supply chains, which often lead to unsafe food supply, high levels of packaging, waste and food wastage. Similarly, sanatoriums providing rehabilitation, health and catering services tend to opt for cheaper food products imported from abroad. It is therefore important to note that local food and its health benefits contribute to solving health problems. Therefore, the development of a local farming supply system in a particular health resort can not only be a key aspect of improving services, but also make an important contribution to improving the health of patients, stabilizing the incomes of local farmers, and reducing environmental pollution.