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NYC To Offer Prescriptions For Fruits And Vegetables
By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Jul 23, 2013
Modified Jul 23, 2013
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By
Max Rivlin-Nadler
Published Jul 23, 2013
Modified Jul 23, 2013
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In an effort to get New Yorkers to eat a little healthier, the city is launching a pilot program at two hospitals that will have New Yorkers receive "prescriptions" that can be used to purchase fruits and vegetables at farmers markets.
The program, which is part of a national campaign to help doctors change the eating habits of their patients, will focus on low-income, high-risk patients who desperately need to change their diet. The program will launch at Harlem Hospital and Lincoln Medical Center in the South Bronx.
Patients will receive Health Bucks, $2 coupons that can be used at any of the 142 farmers markets across the city. Doctors will then monitor the patients in the pilot program over the course of four months, and have their weight and body mass index evaluated by their doctor, as well receive counseling on healthy eating.
“Each dollar invested in Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program nourishes public hospital patients and their families, boosts revenue at farmers markets, and supports overall community health,” Deputy Mayor Gibbs said at a press conference today. “Farmers markets support the City’s efforts to keep communities fit by providing healthy and affordable dietary options in a localized setting.”
If the "prescriptions" are found successful in lowering obesity among the 140 patients in the pilot program, the city will look to expand the program to other low-income neighborhoods.
Tagged
farmers markets
Fruits
health
health bucks
obesity
prescription for veggies
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Max Rivlin-Nadler
Max Rivlin-Nadler has been a contributor to Gothamist since 2013. He has also reported for the New York Times, NPR, and The Intercept. His years-long investigation into New York City's arcane civil forfeiture laws led to a series of reforms which altered a practice that had been taking millions from poor communities for decades. Recently, he brought back a surfing habit from a few years on the west coast, and would love to see you all out in the Rockaways.
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