The Upper Peninsula Food as Medicine team (UPFAM) is pleased to announce the start of a Prescription for Health program for eligible U.P residents.
This program is designed to address and improve food security for low-income residents who have or are at risk of developing a chronic health condition.
Prescription for Health is run by the UPFAM team and the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress= (UPCAP) and is generously funded by the Superior Health Foundation.
The program, operated through a referral system, includes participants 18 and older referred by participating health care practitioners and provides weekly vouchers which can be redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables at local farm markets. Additionally, nutrition education is available to program participants year-round, and provides an opportunity to earn produce vouchers.’
“In the Upper Peninsula, approximately 1 in 7 individuals or 14 percent of residents are food insecure. With the national average at 10.5 percent, the local numbers are significant,” said Tammy Rosa, nutrition program manager at UPCAP. “UPCAP participates in many community initiatives throughout the region and we are very excited to be a part of this collaboration of partners working to improve the food security of residents, while building a stronger regional food system.”
At the conclusion of the program, a robust evaluation will be conducted to demonstrate Prescription for Health outcomes, which may influence local policy addressing food security and health-related issues. Participating Farmers Markets include Downtown Marquette Farmers Market, Gladstone Farmers Market, Newberry Farmers Market, Main Street Calumet Farmers Market, Depot Park Farmers & Artisans’ Market in Ironwood, Houghton Farmers Market, Hancock Tori & Farmers Market, Bay Mills/Brimley Farmers Market, Sault Ste. Marie Farmers Market and the Munising Farmers Market.
The full listing of participating markets, seasonal operating dates/hours and referral partners can be found online at the URL below. For more information, visit www.upcap.org/program/food-as-medicine/ or contact Tammy at 906-786-4701 or rosat@upcap.org.
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