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.
For more information about Fresh RX for MOMs, please contact Jessica Hodges at jessica@cfaky.org.