Food Is Medicine

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Food is medicine. Fruit and Vegetable Prescription programs are a new initiative that we are launching with the SNAP-Education team. Health care centers bridge patients to our nutrition, budgeting, and healthy lifestyle classes and to vouchers for free foods to support nutrition at home.

Why Have Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Programs?

For many, the obstacles to eating well are overwhelming, especially when struggling with limited resources. This program seeks to increase access and affordability of healthy foods through collaborations between healthcare facilities and community-based organizations.

As patients are screened for food insecurity, they receive guidance and resources to assist them, including an invitation to the FVRx program. The program connects the community to classes about nutrition and budget tips, as well as helping individuals to navigate programs available to support sustained food access locally. Vouchers are provided to each participant, so they can walk out and immediately access free fruits and vegetables at local vendors. For many, tight budgets lead to a dual crisis of illness and hunger. This project aims to be one piece of the solution to these issues.

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If you're interested in learning more about the program, enrolling, or sponsorship send an email to Xyricka Ferry, SNAP-Ed Program Manager, xbf2@cornell.edu. 

If you are a health center that would like to build a program, or if you sell any vegetables and would like to accept our vouchers, please reach out at SNAPEdWNY@gmail.com .

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Last updated April 21, 2025