Eastern Market Farm Stand/Community Health & Social Services Center's Fresh Prescription Program

Michigan

Fresh Prescription is a fruit and vegetable prescription program that brings together the healthcare system and the food system, fostering innovative relationships to build a healthy sustainable food system in Detroit. Low-income patients with chronic disease, caregivers of young children and pregnant women are referred to the Fresh Prescription program by their primary care physician. A clinician meets with participants and their families to discuss healthy eating and assess fruit and vegetable consumption, access to healthy food, and knowledge and skills for choosing, preparing and eating fresh fruits and vegetables. The clinician gives the participants a prescription to “eat more fruits and vegetables” and helps set goals for healthy eating. Patients "fill" their prescription at a partnering farm stand or market, where they also receive nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations and other educational support for making meaningful, healthy eating changes.

Partner Organizations

• Ecology Center
• American Indian Health and Family Services
• Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation
• Fair Food Network
• Referring primary care providers

Target Population

Low-income individuals with chronic disease, caregivers of young children and pregnant women

Care Team

Referring primary care provider, Fresh Prescription clinician

Timeframe

2013 - present

Results/ Studies

2016 Outcomes Report

2015 Outcomes Report

2014 Outcomes Report

2013 Outcomes Report

Funding

Private grants

Resources

Program website

Healthy Food Playbook: Fruit & Vegetable Incentives Programs