Community Resources
This page was designed to be a resource for patients and those in the community looking to make better choices that will lead to long lasting improved quality of life.
This page is divided into sections with information Dr. Bernstein has researched over the years.
There may be updates to this page periodically as new information is available.
Benefits to your health and the planet by purchasing food that is regeneratively grown and locally sourced
Dr. Bernstein is committed to healthy people and a healthy planet. Since she believes in the philosophy of food as medicine, she wants you to have resources for making healthy choices for yourself and your community. There is an abundance of evidence leading to the conclusion that regenerative farming practices are better for the environment including plants, wildlife and the planet. Eating food that is regeneratively raised also nourishes our bodies in more beneficial ways than we initially thought. Learn more by going to our designated resource page on Regenerative Agriculture here. In addition, when you support local farms that have regenerative practices, you are supporting the local economy and environment which is also an added important benefit.
Dr. Bernstein loves visiting and purchasing fruits, vegetables, and humanely regeneratively raised animal products at our local farmers markets. When you purchase food locally, it is fresh and contains the optimal amount of nutrients. It is important to talk to the farmer and ask about their farming practices. Once you find the ones that are doing regenerative and or organic farming you are in good hands. It feels good to support local farmers and show your support and care for how they farm.
Resources for locating Farmer’s Markets and local farms in your area
Supporting local farms with regenerative practices provides healthy food, supports the local economy and is better for the environment.
Local Farms and CSAs
Places where you can purchase healthy organic food and “clean animal products”
Birchwood Farm & Dairy
Newtown, Bucks County, Pa.
Spring Creek Farm
Solebury, Bucks County, Pa.
Hershberger Heritage Farm
Sellersville, Bucks County, Pa.
Local stores that have products we recommend
After that, I recommend shopping at locally owned and operated natural food stores for purchasing what you need. Closest to our office, down the road from us in New Hope, is the newest Natural Market, Soulberry Natural Market. Organnons is located in Wrightstown, Pa. and they have another store in New Britain, Pa. There are many Kimberton Whole Foods in the surrounding area. These stores have many of the dry goods we suggest for the various diets we recommend. There are other local health food stores that can be great places to shop when looking for healthy food choices and those foods needed for an elimination diet. Although regular supermarkets are now beginning to have more available and there are larger stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Wegmans, it is important to read labels carefully wherever you shop.
Dr. Bernstein recently learned that the supermarket chain, Giant, which is locally headquartered in Pennsylvania partnered with the Rodale Institute, a nonprofit focused on advancing organic farming, as part of efforts to promote more regenerative agriculture and retailing as well as reduce food insecurity. This news is very exciting, so if you do shop at a supermarket, it is recommended that you support Giant.
Reading labels in not only important when it comes to looking at food ingredients, but also when evaluating personal care products and household products including the types of cleaning products you purchase. The Environmental Working Group is a great resource for learning more about which food and household items are the safest and which may have more toxins and potential health risks.
Access to healthy organic and regenerative food on a budget
When shopping at discount stores, you need to pick and choose and read labels. There are discount grocery stores that carry organic produce that are worth mentioning:
The Grocery Outlet Bargain Market and Aldi Grocery Stores.
In addition, SNAP dollars are accepted and the food is further discounted for SNAP recipients at the Doylestown Farmers Market and other Farmers Markets may participate with the SNAP program as well.
Lastly there two organizations that provide local healthy and organic produce to various food pantries in the area.
Carversville Farm Foundation is a non-profit farm that grows top-quality vegetables, poultry, beef & eggs specifically for donation to soup kitchens & food pantries. They partner with several organizations. One organization they partner with to donate their food is through the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC). Click here for the list of food pantries affiliated with the BCOC.
Rolling Harvest Food Rescue has volunteers that pick-up and deliver fresh healthy produce daily from 43 farms and food producers in the area and assist with weekly distributions to more than 80 hunger relief sites.
Our Integrative Functional Nutritionist Kirsten Hamilton RDN LDN FMNS can support you in creating healthy meals on a budget.
The following are additional resources for information, support and places to purchase food items online
Information and Support:
www.foodnews.org
A listing of the most important foods to eat organic
www.whfoods.org/foodstoc.php
Health benefits of the World’s Healthiest Foods
Places to purchase healthy food online:
www.awesomefoods.com
Convenient nutritious gluten-free, raw, vegan snacks and prepared food
Vital Choice
Sustainably caught wild fish, seafood and other products
Resource for purchasing food locally and eating out locally:
Resources for those who want to support local farms and their own health but don't have time to shop or cook:
www.helpfulfoodie.com
I chose to feature this home food delivery service because they source the organic food they prepare from local farms and use only biodegradable containers made in the U.S. for storage of the food.
Help in starting your own organic garden
PickYourOwn.org – Pennsylvania Harvest Calendar
Calendar of expected harvest dates for local crops
Information on composting
Composting is a great way of keeping food waste from plants out of the land fills and also reducing your amount of garbage. The side benefit is that you can create wonderful fertile soil for planting vegetables or for use in your flower beds.
BCS Compost
A local service that will compost for you
The following researched recommended products and services support your health and well-being:
American made Organic Cotton Bedding
(Local Owners)
(supports sustainable farming practices, local owners and organic cotton supports healthier better sleep)
HeartMath
Tools, Technology and Books that support Emotional Regulation and Resiliency
X-ISER
Ergonomic Stepper that is portable and great for High Intensity Interval Training
Alaskan Northern Lights
LED Light box for helping with winter blues (seasonal affective disorder)
VIELIGHT devices provide photo biomodulation therapy with NIR (Near infra-red) light
This NIR light is used to increase energy production in the brain leading to potential improvement in brain function. This may include improved cognition, mood, sleep and sense of well-being. Click here for more information.
Webinars available for purchase
Hear experts talk about recent developments in these areas.
The Dynamic Neural Retraining System™
The Dynamic Neural Retraining System™ is a natural, drug-free, neuroplasticity-based healing Program that can help you recover from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme Disease, Food Sensitivities, Anxiety, Chronic Pain, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and many other conditions. Many of these conditions are related to a chronic stress response and limbic system dysfunction. Click here for more information.
What is different about this approach?
This system directly targets brain function and a maladapted stress response that is at the root of suffering for so many. This approach does not chase your symptoms – it will teach you how to change the function and structure of your brain. When you rewire the limbic system, you move your body from a state of survival to a state of growth and repair – where true healing can take place.
Support available for the social, psychological and emotional issues around food
Overeaters Anonymous
Especially helpful to those who seem to always fall back into bad habits even when they know what they should be doing. This organization offers support and group meetings all over.
Additional Services at our office
In addition to Nutrition Counseling, we offer individual coaching sessions with our Lifestyle Support Specialist for those who are interested in support and guidance regarding lifestyle changes and making those changes stick. These sessions are personalized to address the specific needs of the individual with the goal of enhancing optimal health and well-being. In the future, we may be offering group sessions to cover more common concerns.
Patient Resources page
To access the Patient Resources page, a password is required. If you are a patient and need a password, please call the office at 215-794-7880.
Dr. Bernstein is committed to people’s health and well-being and to the health of our planet.