Throughout the growing season, medical providers with Adena Health System have been prescribing fresh fruit and vegetables to patients in Ross County who face barriers when it comes to eating healthy. The program, known as Food Rx, helps to eliminate the cost barriers of healthy eating, and drives patients to fresh food options, while supporting local farmers.
Food Rx was initially adopted by Adena providers in 2017, and traditionally ran through the summer months. However, thanks to community support, the Chillicothe Farmers Market will now be operating during the winter within the former Mount Logan Elementary School building at 841 E. Main St., Chillicothe. With this news, Adena will continue offering its Food Rx program to patients through the winter months.
“The Food Rx program has been extremely popular among Adena’s patient population,” said Kim Jones, director of Adena Community Health Advancement. “The availability of fresh produce in the winter months will enable our patients to continue developing those healthy eating changes they have established through the summer, making it an all year habit.”
Patients who qualify, and are “prescribed” a Food Rx receive a $15 coupon to use at a participating local farmer’s market. These patients include those with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
In addition, people who qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are encouraged to bring their Ohio Direction card to the Chillicothe Farmers Market. SNAP recipients are eligible to scan at least $10 in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) tokens, while also receiving $10 in Fruit and Veggies Perks tokens.
Patients in Ross County who are interested in the Food Rx program should ask their primary care provider for a coupon. Those who do not have a primary care provider, should call 740-779-FIND (3463) to become established with a PCP today.
The Chillicothe Famers Market, located inside the former Mount Logan Elementary School, will be open on Saturdays throughout November - April. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. - Noon.