The following material was originally developed by Washtenaw County Public Health for the Prescription for Health program with funding in part by The Kresge Foundation.
Prescription for Health, a program designed to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, connects the medical system and the food sector by creating a relationship between clinic staff, their patients, and the local farmers market. The idea is that health care providers write “prescriptions” for their patients to eat more fruits and vegetables. Participants then bring their prescription cards to the farmers market where they receive tokens to spend like cash on fresh fruits and vegetables, and will also receive nutrition education and support from Community Health Workers (CHWs). Participants receive ten tokens, each worth $1, per farmers market visit, and can receive these benefits up to ten times during the farmers market season for a total program benefit of $100 per participant.
The target audience for Prescription for Health is low-income, food-insecure individuals who are at risk for health problems or have a documented chronic disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, heart disease, or cancer. Program goals include:
1. Increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among participants.
2. Foster healthy behavior change in program participants by providing nutrition education, referrals to community resources, and support from Community Health Workers.
3. Create strong partnerships between the local public health department, clinics, and farmers markets to increase awareness of the local food system, promote utilization of community resources, and support participant health improvement.
4. Support development of the local food system and economy.
Prescription for Health programs operate throughout Michigan, and currently, two YMCA’s are involved in this program:
· In 2015, the YMCA of Lenawee County YMCA was introduced to this program through their 1422 grant work. Three partners are able to refer to the program (the Y, the Bixby Hospital, and Family Medical Center). Ted Crockett, Associate Executive Director, has referred several participants of the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and has seen results that include improvements in food tracking and attendance.
· The Tri-Cities YMCA was recruited into this work by a community partner who received a Health Innovation Grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Erica Phelps, Fitness & Wellness Director, used this opportunity to invite program participants to tour the Y and generate interest in their healthy living programs.
For more information about the Prescription for Health program search www.ewashtenaw.org.
For more information about your local farmers market go to www.mifma.org