Aspirus’ Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program continues
6/20/2023
From farm to table,
the fresh produce at your local farmers market is one of the healthiest ways to
get all your nutrients.
“Summer is the perfect
time to give canned and frozen produce a break – to give our bodies and minds a
healthy boost with some fresh fruits and veggies,” says Kari Due, Aspirus
Community Health Improvement Lead. “As a bonus, buying them at a farmers market
is a fantastic opportunity to support our local farmers.”
Aspirus has launched
another year of their Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program which
helps provide patients with access to fresh produce. Patients are identified by
the Care Coordination Team as having a need, whether it be food insecurity, low-income,
chronic conditions, or lack of access. Eligible patients are given a
“prescription” to use at one of many participating farmers markets in the
Aspirus service area.
“We know that a diet
that’s rich in fruits and veggies is healthy for us, but not everyone has the
same access to these items,” adds Due. “This program is designed to get more
nutritious foods in the hands of more families in our communities.”
Oftentimes farmers
market vendors provide free tastes of things like raspberries, local jellies,
and fruit. The aromas of fresh vegetables and fruits are so wonderful that it
makes you want to start planting. You are bound to taste or see something that triggers
a smile.
Here are some tips for
getting the most from your trip to the farmers market:
- Go early. You may not need to be among the
first arrivals for a weekday market, but weekend markets get busy fast. If you
arrive too late, the best pickings may be gone.
- Bring cash and reusable bags. Transactions
will go easier if you have a pocket of small bills. Plus, you need sturdy bags
to carry your items home.
- Talk to the vendors. The sellers want to
talk about their fruits, veggies, and jams. Ask for buying and storing tips.
They can often give you recipe ideas too.
For the full list of
participating farmers market locations and more information on the FVRx
program, visit https://www.aspirus.org/fvrx-program.
Back to all Posts