In select communities across the United States, doctors are writing prescriptions for fruits and vegetables to help their patients achieve better health.
The innovative Fruits & Vegetable Prescription Program™ (FVRx™) is being piloted by Wholesome Wave, a national non-profit organization that works to improve access to fresh, local produce in historically underserved communities. It forges connections between community health providers and local farmers markets in order to promote healthier food choices among overweight children at risk of diet-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
“This program is really changing the way people think about food, without simply telling them to change,” explains Amanda Morgan, Pilot Manager of the FVRx program. “By prescribing, [doctors are] making a direct link between food and health. It also helps people who want to make that change afford it.”
