For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – Aspirus Health recently launched another year of its Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program, which helps provide patients with access to fresh produce.
“From farm to table, the fresh produce at your local farmers market is one of the healthiest ways to get all your nutrients,” Aspirus stated.
“Summer is the perfect time to give canned and frozen produce a break – to give our bodies and minds a healthy boost with some fresh fruits and veggies,” said Kari Due, Aspirus Community Health Improvement Lead. “As a bonus, buying them at a farmers market is a fantastic opportunity to support our local farmers.”
Under the program, patients are identified by Aspirus’ Care Coordination Team as having a need, whether it be food insecurity, low-income, chronic conditions, or lack of access. Eligible patients are given a “prescription” to use at one of many participating farmers markets in the Aspirus service area.
Among the program’s participants is the Tomahawk Farmers’ Market, held on the north side of 3rd St. and W. Wisconsin Ave. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each Tuesday from June through October.
Markets in Merrill, Antigo, Medford and Wausau also take part in the program.
“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,” Due noted. “This program is designed to get more nutritious foods in the hands of more families in our communities.”
Aspirus said farmers market vendors oftentimes provide free tastes of things like raspberries, local jellies and fruit.
“The aromas of fresh vegetables and fruits are so wonderful that it makes you want to start planting,” Aspirus stated. “You are bound to taste or see something that triggers a smile.”
Aspirus provided the following tips for getting the most from a trip to the farmers market:
- Go early. You may not need to be among the first arrivals for a weekday market, but weekend markets get busy fast. If you arrive too late, the best pickings may be gone.
- Bring cash and reusable bags. Transactions will go easier if you have a pocket of small bills. Plus, you need sturdy bags to carry your items home.
- Talk to the vendors. The sellers want to talk about their fruits, veggies, and jams. Ask for buying and storing tips. They can often give you recipe ideas too.
For the full list of participating farmers market locations and more information on the FVRx program, visit www.aspirus.org/fvrx-program.