The Franciscan Health Michigan City Produce Prescription Program is currently accepting new participants to aid in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Participants will receive monthly produce coupons for six months after finishing the free four-week program, which is perfect for stocking up on fresh food.
A four-week Cooking Matters course is required of participants, who must also have moderate to high food insecurity as established by a screening process and who must have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or both. Participation is open to anybody, not just Franciscan Health patients.
Franciscan Health and the Indy Hunger Network have a formal relationship that allows Franciscan professionals to be certified to teach the course.
In a significant effort to promote healthier lifestyles and improve nutrition, Franciscan Health Michigan City has launched a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide fresh, nutritious produce to local residents in need. The Produce Prescription Program is a new, free program that allows patients to receive fresh fruits and vegetables at no cost, with the goal of improving their overall health and well-being.
This innovative program is part of a larger trend within the healthcare industry, where doctors and health systems are increasingly recognizing the critical role of proper nutrition in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
A Prescription for Better Health
The concept behind the Produce Prescription Program is simple but powerful. Patients who are at risk for or managing chronic health conditions are prescribed fresh produce by their healthcare providers. These prescriptions can be redeemed at designated local food markets and produce stands, where participants can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables to incorporate into their diets.
Dr. Emily Rodriguez, a primary care physician at Franciscan Health Michigan City, explained, “We know that improving diet is one of the most effective ways to manage and even prevent chronic diseases. By offering fresh produce to patients, we hope to help them take charge of their health, improve their quality of life, and reduce their long-term healthcare needs.”
Addressing Food Insecurity and Health Disparities
The program also seeks to address food insecurity, which affects many individuals and families in the region. Access to fresh and healthy food can often be a challenge, particularly in lower-income communities where nutritious options may be limited. By providing free produce to those in need, the Produce Prescription Program helps remove financial barriers to healthy eating.
“This program allows us to meet a critical need in our community,” said Michael Hannon, Community Health Director at Franciscan Health Michigan City. “Many of our patients struggle to access fresh produce due to cost or availability. By offering free fruits and vegetables, we’re not only improving their diets but also helping to combat the negative effects of food deserts in our area.”
How the Program Works
To participate in the Produce Prescription Program, patients must be referred by their healthcare provider at Franciscan Health Michigan City. The program is targeted at individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity, but it is open to anyone who may benefit from improved nutrition.
Once enrolled, patients will receive a “prescription” for fresh produce, which can be redeemed at local food distribution sites that are partnered with the program. These sites include farmers’ markets and participating grocery stores, where patients can pick up a weekly allotment of fresh produce tailored to their dietary needs.
The program is designed to be easy to use, with no complicated paperwork or qualifications required beyond the initial referral. Participants are encouraged to take full advantage of the program and incorporate the fresh produce into their daily meals for optimal health benefits.
A Community-Centered Approach
The Produce Prescription Program is not just about providing food—it’s also about building stronger connections within the community. Franciscan Health Michigan City has partnered with local farmers, food banks, and community organizations to ensure that the produce offered is of the highest quality and sourced locally whenever possible.
By supporting local agriculture and food systems, the program also contributes to the local economy, helping to sustain small businesses and create jobs within the region. The initiative has quickly become a community-wide effort, with multiple stakeholders working together to improve the health and well-being of all residents.
Long-Term Benefits
The long-term goals of the program extend beyond immediate access to healthy food. Franciscan Health Michigan City aims to see a measurable improvement in the health of participants, including better management of chronic conditions, weight loss, lower blood pressure, and improved blood sugar levels.
Dr. Rodriguez added, “We’re hopeful that this program will help our patients make lasting changes to their health. By empowering them with the tools to improve their nutrition, we can make a significant impact on the overall health of the community.”
As the program continues to grow, Franciscan Health Michigan City plans to expand the Produce Prescription Program to reach even more individuals and families. There are also hopes to integrate additional resources, such as nutrition education and cooking classes, to help participants get the most out of their produce and make healthier food choices in the long run.
This initiative exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, where the focus is not just on treating illness but on promoting wellness and preventing disease through proactive, community-centered solutions.
The Produce Prescription Program from Franciscan Health Michigan City is a much-needed response to the growing recognition that good health starts with good food. By offering free fresh produce to patients, the program aims to improve the health of individuals, reduce healthcare costs, and strengthen the community as a whole. For those looking to make healthier choices, this program represents an invaluable resource in the pursuit of better health and a better quality of life.
The program is scheduled to take place at the Franciscan Health Michigan City Legacy Campus, which is located at 301 W. Homer St., and will run for four weeks, starting on February 4 and ending on February 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. Central. Send an email to [email protected] or give her a call at (219) 221-4153 if you would like to register or get further details.
A portion of the funding for the Produce Prescription Program comes from the Food Insecurity Fund at the Franciscan Health Foundation. Visit the website or give a donation by calling (219) 661-3401.
