In 2018, Community Farmers Market (CFM), Community Farm Alliance (CFA), and WellCare Health Plans piloted a 21-week fruit and vegetable prescription (FV Rx) program for Mothers on Medicaid – Fresh Rx for MOMs.
Based upon the success of the Fresh Rx for MOMs Pilot, CFA led a successful application to the USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) to expand this program, both geographically and in duration to cover close to the full term of pregnancy, to positively impact health outcomes, through increased consumption of fresh, Kentucky-grown produce by expecting mothers with limited income.
Over the 2020-22 grant period, the Kentucky Fresh Rx for MOMs will establish produce prescription programs at eleven farmers markets across the state, with strong local healthcare and community partnerships. to increase access to fresh, Kentucky-grown produce for expecting mothers, while supporting Kentucky farmers. Each week participants attend the market and receive $20 in tokens to be spent on locally-grown produce, for 21 to 40 consecutive weeks.
This project will provide a clear, standardized process by which farmers markets may implement a Produce Prescription program in their community and by which low-income community members may receive produce prescriptions.
In 2021 Community Farmers Market in Bowling Green, Lexington Farmers Market, Franklin Co. Farmers Market, and Perry Co. Farmers Market will offer a Fresh Rx program to reach 158 mothers. In addition to the incentives, participants will receive nutrition education and advice from on-site dietitians, seasonal recipes, and cooking kits.
2024 Locations
Farmers Market Locations:
– Bounty of the Barrens, 1463 West Main Street, Glasgow, KY 42141, Saturday 8am-12pm
– Community Farmers Market Bowling Green, KY 2319 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101 Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
– Franklin County Farmers Market 404 Wilkinson Blvd Tuesday 8:30-12, Saturday 8:30-12
– Locals Food Hub 863 Wilkinson BIvd 11-9 Monday-Sunday Frankfort, KY
– Grey Street Farmers Market Louisville KY 400 E Gray Street, Louisville, KY 40202; Thursday 10:30-1:30
– Lexington, Farmers Market Lexington, KY (National Avenue, Tandy Park Pavilion, Gardenside, Southland Drive)
– Perry County Farmers Market 467 South Main Street, Hazard KY 41701 Thursday 4-7 p.m. June-August) Saturday 8 a.m.-Noon June-October)
– Shively Farmers Market (Shively, KY) 3920 Dixie Highway 10:00 a.m.- 2 p.m. June 8, June 22, July 6, July 20, Aug. 3rd, 17th, 31st, Sept 14, 25th, Oct 12, 26
– City of Whitesburg/Letcher Co Farmers Market 360 Main Street, Whitesburg, KY 41858; Thursday 5-7 p.m. June/July), Saturday 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. (May-Oct)
CSA Locations:
– Lazy Eight Stock Farm (Paint Lick, KY) Serving Madison, Fayette and Garrard Counties; contact:
carla@lazyeightstockfarm.com
– Need More Acres (Scottsville, KY) Serving Allen and Warren Counties; contact: needmoreacresfarm@gmail.com
– Wisteria Hill Farm (Harrodsburg, KY) Serving Mercer County; contact: Wisteriahillfarm@gmail.com
Community Agency Locations:
– Zora’s Cradle Shively, KY In partnership with Barr Farms 3934 Dixie Highway Suite 350, Louisville, KY 40216; Contact: Jeremywhiteside@zorascradle.org or dianejones@zorascradle.org
– Change Today Change Tomorrow Louisville, KY in partnership with BearFruit & Grow Farm; 2500 W Broadway, Suite 3, Louisville, KY 40211; Monday 11am-3pm; contact: taylor@change-today.org
– Cincinnati Birth Center in partnership with Darkwood Farm, 841 Lincoln Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206; contact: Meghan@cincinnatibirthcenter.com
For more information about Fresh RX for MOMs, please contact Sandra Ballew Barnes at sandra@cfaky.org.
