Submitted by: Unity Care NW
We’ve all heard the saying “Eat your vegetables.” Too many people living in Whatcom County, however, struggle to have enough money each month to put healthy food on the table. Eating healthy can be more costly, and those with low-incomes often find that high-calorie, low-nutrition foods are more affordable for their families. For those living in neighborhoods without easy access to grocery stores, fast food restaurants and convenience stores are sometimes their most reliable option. For those with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, lack of access to fruits and vegetables can have serious health consequences.
With this in mind, the Bellingham Food Bank, Unity Care NW, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, PeaceHealth, and Community Health Plan of Washington are partnering with Community Food Co-op to pilot a new Whatcom Veggie Rx program. The pilot begins this month, with each health care provider selecting a group of low-income patients identified as nutritionally at-risk to participate.
Here’s how it works. Participating health care providers will identify food-insecure diabetic patients with high Hemoglobin A1c levels, which is a blood sugar measure. Those willing to commit to the pilot program for a full year will meet with their health care provider to discuss nutrition and healthy eating, set a baseline on health indicators, and receive a Whatcom Veggie Rx “prescription.” Each participant will receive a $40 voucher each month, redeemable for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables at either of the Community Co-op’s locations. If participants don’t use their voucher, their health care provider will follow up with them to determine their continued participation in the pilot program. Participants will also be able to attend free nutrition and cooking classes that include budgeting and a focus on family meals as part of the program.
Fruit and Veggie Rx programs are multiplying across the country as health care providers and health insurance companies recognize the positive effects of healthy eating on a variety of chronic health conditions. One 2016 evaluation of a similar program in upstate New York found that the 54 participants saw a statistically significant reduction in their body mass index (BMI), compared to the control group. Another program in Detroit reported that program participants experienced statistically significant improvements in their Hemaglobin A1c levels. Our program will include tracking A1c levels and pre- and post-program surveys to measure knowledge and behavior related to nutrition and diabetes control.
Small interventions such as this can have big impacts on patients’ health, as well as on the cost of health care. Our organizations are pleased to be able to offer this pilot program, and we look forward to demonstrating successful outcomes.
