HUDSON VALLEY, N.Y. — The SNAP-Ed New York program of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce that the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx) has launched as SNAP-Ed staff, partners, and medical providers continue to work together to provide the program throughout local communities. The FVRx program is designed to address food insecurity in addition to providing education and support to better participants’ health.
Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to enough food to be able to live an active, healthy life. The Covid-19 pandemic and current world circumstances continue to make it harder to afford and prioritize healthy food over other needs such as housing and transportation. In addition, there is growing awareness and acknowledgment in the healthcare community that health outcomes and disparities are driven by social determinants of health.
The SNAP-Ed NY Hudson Valley regional program represents 9 counties including Columbia-Greene, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. Food insecurity in the Hudson Valley was projected to reach 13.3% of the population, or 310,410 individuals back in 2020, up from the 10% pre-pandemic levels. The current inflation and supply chain disruption also contribute to the challenges of accessing healthy food for a segment of our communities.
SNAP-Ed is the nutrition promotion and obesity-prevention component of SNAP which stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps. SNAP provides economic benefits to eligible, low-income individuals and families for food purchases. Using evidence-based programs, SNAP-Ed teaches a variety of topics to help participants to save time, save money, and eat healthy. The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is the state agency for SNAP-Ed in New York State and is committed to reducing food insecurity and hunger, fostering self-sufficiency, and improving health outcomes for low-income New Yorkers. The FVRx program works toward meeting each of these goals.
FVRx began in the Hudson Valley as SNAP-Ed NY team members recruited and began bringing together a group of passionate healthcare individuals in a roundtable series where they discussed the potential of the program while recognizing the connection between food insecurity and health. Understanding how education on food management can improve health outcomes has become a clear priority. Poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to quality food undermine disease management and prevention efforts for diet-related conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. The strategy behind produce prescription (FVRx) vouchers addresses health conditions caused or worsened by poor diet and limited access to fruits and vegetables. Medical providers participating in the FVRx roundtable discussions include Bon Secours Charity Healthy System, CareMount Medical, Crystal Run Healthcare, Ellenville Rural Health Network, Garnet Health, MidHudson Regional Hospital, and Sun River Health.
Currently, SNAP-Ed NY is working with these medical providers to screen their patients for food insecurity using the evidence-based Hunger Vital signs food insecurity screening questions: In the last 12 months, indicate if the statement is often, sometimes, or never true for your household: “We worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more.” “The food that we brought just didn’t last, and we didn’t have money to get more.” A positive screen is set to lead to the next step of the patient receiving a ‘prescription’ referring them to the FVRx program.
Once participants are referred to the FVRx and the SNAP-Ed NY program, they are able to participate in a 4–6 week nutrition workshop series virtually or in-person. These interactive workshops are offered in multiple languages and offer an engaging experience to discuss ideas for successful food management while increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and utilizing produce in ways that work for them. Topics addressed in the nutrition workshops include food preparation, eating healthy on a budget, being more physically active, along with food demonstrations and recipe sharing.
The SNAP-Ed NY Hudson Valley regional program received $2,500 from the Hudson Valley Credit Union and $5,000 from the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange region to provide the vouchers for participants in the FVRx program. This funding will provide 60 food insecure families up to $120 to purchase produce right here in the Hudson Valley.
Concluding each session, participants receive $5 FVRx vouchers totaling $20, which adds to $120 total per person for the series. The FVRx vouchers are to be redeemed on fruits and vegetables at designated food retailers and markets who SNAP-Ed has established an agreement, currently including Beacon Farmers’ Market, Broadway Farms in Newburgh, Dutchess Outreach Mobile Markets, Healthy Orange Farmers’ Market in Newburgh, La Nueva Casa Latina in Poughkeepsie, and Newburgh Farmers’ Market.
FVRx workshops kicked off on January 18th for the first set of patients referred. Classes have been designed to accommodate language needs with bilingual nutrition educators and schedule needs with morning and evening classes offered.
With medical partners, food insecurity screening, nutrition education programming, and local grocers/markets in place, the FVRx program will be able to ensure food access and support to those who need it most in the Hudson Valley.
Individuals and agencies interested in more information about the FVRx program can reach out to SNAP-Ed NY at fvrx-hv@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234, Extension 265.
SNAP-Ed is funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information call Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County at 845-344-1234 or visit the SNAP-Ed NY website at www.snapedny.org.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension