SC Wisconsin News

Aspirus Health has expanded its Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program to include additional communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The program now operates at about 30 community-based farmers markets, providing greater access to fresh produce for eligible patients.

The new locations added this year are Park Falls, Marathon City, Owen, Crandon, and the Stevens Point Outdoor market in Wisconsin; Central Hillside and Lincoln Park markets in Duluth; and The Market at Burlington Station in Two Harbors, Minnesota. These join previously established sites across Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Aspirus FVRx is a medically based intervention designed to support Aspirus patients with chronic conditions or those needing food access support. Patients identified by the Care Coordination Team receive a “prescription” that can be used at participating farmers markets within 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,” says Kari Due, Aspirus Community Health Improvement Specialist. “This program is designed to place nutritious foods in the hands of more families in our communities and as a bonus, buying them at a farmers market is a fantastic opportunity to support our local farmers.”

Aspirus Health participates in the Central Wisconsin Farmers Market Collaborative. This group helps plan for sustainability of local markets and works on improving access through measures such as introducing EBT machines.

The FVRx program began in 2016 with the goal of connecting clinical care with community resources. It encourages healthier eating habits among participants as part of efforts to improve overall health outcomes. According to health experts, consuming at least five cups of fruits and vegetables daily can help prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

“This program enables health care providers and staff to assist eligible patients in increasing their fruit and vegetable intake by connecting them with local resources, particularly farmers’ markets,” said Due.

National Farmers Market Week takes place August 3-9 each year. The week highlights the important role that farmers markets play within the nation’s food system.

More information about participating locations can be found on the Aspirus website: https://www.aspirus.org/fvrx-program