Fruit and Vegetable Incentive Programs
What are produce incentive programs?
Produce prescription (PRx) programs allow health care workers to prescribe fruits and vegetables to patients who meet specific criteria. Such patients might have chronic diseases and lack access to nutritious food.
Produce prescriptions may be used in health care settings, local farmers markets, brick-and-mortar or online grocery stores, or mobile markets. Patients also typically receive vouchers to buy produce or receive produce.
Voucher incentive programs for fruits and vegetables provide consumers with vouchers, coupons, or cash incentives to use at the point of purchase. These vouchers can be physical, such as paper or wood coins, or electronic, such as loyalty or debit cards.
Incentives may be redeemed at participating food pantries, farmers markets, brick-and-mortar or online grocery stores, and mobile markets. Vouchers may also be used in community-supported agriculture (CSA). A CSA enables people to buy a subscription or “share” of a farm’s produce. This allows growers and consumers to share the risks and benefits of food production.
Where can I learn more?
Food is Medicine Programs aimed at solutions to food insecurity crisis in Northeast Ohio
City Fresh – Fruit and Vegetable Coupons
Talk to your healthcare provider and find out if you’re eligible to receive a produce prescription
General Nutrition and Chronic Disease
Good nutrition is about consistently choosing healthy foods and beverages. Healthy eating patterns can include foods and drinks that reflect preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.
Healthy eating emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein. Dairy recommendations include low-fat or fat-free milk, lactose-free milk, and fortified soy beverages. Other plant-based drinks do not have the same nutritional properties as animal milk and soy beverages. Protein recommendations include seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), soy products, nuts, and seeds.
How does my lifestyle affect my health?
Many chronic diseases stem from a few key risk factors: tobacco use, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption. By steering clear of these risks and seeking regular preventive care, you can enhance your chances of staying healthy, feeling good, and living a longer life.
How can I develop a healthy eating pattern?
Review the CDC’s Healthy Eating Tips and Nutrition in Daily Life
Learn about the food groups and get personalized recommendations from MyPlate
Start reading the Nutrition Facts label
Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
Use local resources:
- City Fresh Farm Box Program
- Ohio City Farm CSA Program
- The Hunger Network
- The Greater Cleveland Food Bank
Physical Activity
Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your health, especially as you age. Regular exercise can lower the risk of chronic diseases and help prevent early death. Active people usually live longer and have a lower risk of serious health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers. For people with chronic diseases, exercise can help manage their conditions and reduce complications. However, only one in four adults and one in six high schoolers in the U.S. meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.
Physically active individuals experience many benefits, such as improved functioning, better sleep, and weight management. Learn more about the benefits of physical activity.
How much physical activity is recommended?
Physical activity guidelines vary depending on your age and ability. The CDC suggests the following:
Preschool-aged children (2-5 years) should be active throughout the day. Encourage children to engage in active play through a variety of physical activities.
Children and adolescents (6-17 years) should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily. They should engage in a variety of physical activities they enjoy. For at least 3 days out of the week, children and adolescents need:
- Vigorous activity, such as running or playing soccer.
- Activities that strengthen muscles, like climbing and push-ups.
- Activities that strengthen bones, such as gymnastics or jumping rope.
Read more about physical activity basics for children.
Adults (18-64 years) should be active for at least 150 minutes each week and engage in muscle-strengthening activities for at least two days out of the week. Read more about physical activity basics for adults.
Older adults (65 years and older) should be active for at least 150 minutes a week and engage in muscle-strengthening activities for at least two days out of the week. Additionally, older adults should do balance activities, such as standing on one foot. Read more about physical activity basics for older adults.
Adults with chronic conditions and disabilities should also get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. They should also do 2 days of muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups. If you are unsure how to be active with your condition or disability, talk to your healthcare provider for suggestions. Learn more about being active with a chronic condition or disability.
Pregnant and postpartum people also need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity during pregnancy and postpartum. Read more about pregnant and postpartum activity.
Early Childcare and Education
Most children spend time in childcare outside of their homes. Approximately 60 percent of preschool-aged children participate in a non-parental care arrangement at least once a week. High-quality early care and education (ECE) programs can positively impact a child’s health and well-being, including helping to prevent childhood obesity. States and communities can implement policies and activities that promote healthy growth in ECE settings.
Early Ages Healthy Stages
Early Ages Healthy Stages (EAHS) is committed to providing early childhood educators, parents, and other caregivers with tools to promote children’s well-being. EAHS aims to attract ECE partners across Cuyahoga County to ensure children have a healthy start in life. Sign up for the EAHS newsletter to stay connected.
Ohio Healthy Programs
Early care and education programs that have chosen to go above and beyond licensing requirements for health are designated Ohio Healthy Programs (OHP). With the help of OHP, ECE providers can promote families’ lifelong healthy habits through proper nutrition, physical activity, and education.
Feed Our Future
Feed Our Future (FOF) connects schools, homes, and communities by providing practical information about sourcing, eating, and promoting local foods that nourish young students. Parents can support FOF by staying informed, supporting educators, and encouraging kids by being a role model. Parents can also help establish a farm-to-school program or a school garden project.
Talk to your child’s school staff about establishing a farm-to-school program or planning a school garden. Visit the FOF Resources for guidance on supporting the farm-to-school movement.