VeggieRx

VeggieRx

VeggieRx is a fresh produce prescription program that improves healthy eating habits for individuals experiencing food insecurity and diagnosed with diet-modifiable disease. This program, piloted in 2018, aims to increase the access to and consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits by participants who receive vouchers for produce and nutrition education at Bend Farmers Markets.

Food Insecurity and Hunger

Food security and hunger is still a persistent issue for many in the United States as 1 of 5 residents are food insecure (hungry) and may not know where their next meal will come from. In Central Oregon, almost 28,000 people qualify as food insecure. Food insecurity is often correlated with chronic and diet-modifiable diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

VeggieRx is a produce prescription program that reduces economic barriers for families to purchase fresh healthy vegetables. HDFFA VeggieRx program objectives are to (1) Implement a VeggieRx pilot program for people experiencing food insecurity with diet-modifiable disease in order to increase fresh food consumption by participants, (2) Provide nutrition education for participants to improve healthy eating habits by program participants and (3) Create community linkages between health care, community resources, food system, and participants to enhance community health.

How It Works

Participants are recommended for the program via healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations or other community members.
Interested participants then contact HDFFA VeggieRx Community Health Worker who will assess eligibility for Veggie Rx.
Once determined eligible, and enrolled, participants will receive $20 of produce vouchers, each week, for 8 consecutive weeks. Vouchers are obtained and redeemed at the Bend Farmers Market. Participants work closely with a registered dietitian nutritionist to learn to purchase, prepare and cook fresh food, understand the importance of vegetables and fruit to a healthy diet, and gain access to addition nutrition education resources.

I feel better. I feel more confident to work out. To make other lifestyle changes. Once you start feeling better you just want to continue to make healthier changes.”

– 2018 Veggie Rx Participant

“It (Veggie Rx) gave me more versatility in my cooking. It stretched me to cook things that were probably healthier that I wouldn’t have bought for myself. When I shop my funds are really limited.

– 2018 Veggie Rx Participant