Farm to Patient
Farm to Patient is a fresh produce prescription program working with patients in the community whose doctors have advised them to change their diets as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Fresh Rx is committed to buying produce from local family farms that use organic growing practices; that means all the produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Participants receive a free 16- week farm share which allows them to start incorporating more fresh produce into their diet without adding any additional financial pressure. The farm shares typically include microgreens and a seasonal selection of locally grown vegetables.
How Can I Become a Farm to Patient Participant?
FreshRx works with select community partners and physicians, case managers, social workers, and nurse navigators to recommend their patients into the Farm to Patient Program. Currently, the Farm to Patient program serves oncology, cardiology, neurology, and pediatric patients that are nutritionally vulnerable.
I’d like more information
about becoming a
PATIENT
I’d like to prescribe Fresh Rx
to my patients. I’m a
DOCTOR
What Happens at the End of 16 weeks?
After 16 weeks, our program graduates can continue to purchase a weekly farm share with their SNAP dollars (formerly known as food stamps). Through our partnerships with Fresh Access Bucks (FAB), participants can double their SNAP dollars on their farm share.
“I’ve long stressed the need to get the best and freshest nutrition possible.”
DR MARSHALL STONE
Farm to Patient is a fresh produce prescription program, launched by Fresh Rx to fill the absence of affordable healthy organic produce for low-income patients recovering from health-related issues. Understanding the well documented link between one’s health and consuming healthy food; and that un and underinsured individuals often lack access to healthy foods, Fresh Rx offers this program to youth and adults impacted by cancer, heart disease, or neurological disorders. Farm to Patient ensures that immuno-compromised and nutritionally vulnerable patients with limited-to-no financial resources have access to healthy foods. What began as providing bags of fresh produce a few times a year to low-income patients who lived in food deserts, has evolved into a harvest season long program (approximately 32 weeks). This year, Farm to Patient has reached nearly 100 patients and their families.
In addition to healthy produce, participants receive nutrition education and tips on healthy eating, recipes to prepare the produce they receive, and how food impacts their health. We provide a weekly newsletter that participants can use as a tool to improve their understanding of how to improve their lifestyle and diet.
2023-2024 Program Participation Dates
16 week program
1st Cohort: October 15, 2023 - January 28, 2024
2nd Cohort: February 4, 2024 - May 19, 2024