STRATEGY: FRUIT & VEGETABLE VOUCHER INCENTIVES & PRODUCE PRESCRIPTIONS
Healthy Food Builds Stronger Foundations
This effort aims to expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables by increasing the affordability of fresh produce to help individuals meet their nutritional needs. Data shows that fruit and vegetable programs help establish healthy eating patterns and lead to an increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables over time.
While we are still in the analysis phase, our ultimate goal is to increase access to fresh food in communities with unmet needs. This may include working with local farmers, farmer markets, implementing programs that make fresh produce more affordable and available.
Through Local-Level Strategies, Our Goals Are To:
Increase purchasing and distribution of healthier foods.
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Increase access to healthier foods.
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Ultimately, increased access, purchasing, and distribution of healthier foods will lead to improved health behaviors and outcomes which in turn reduces chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Food Access Support Organizations & Resources
The following organizations work in alignment with the policies associated with healthy food access.
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WAYNE COUNTY DEPT. OF HEALTH, HUMAN, & VETERAN SERVICES
The Fresh Trucks program will allow easy access to fresh produce across the county through retrofitted buses that will serve as mobile grocery stores. This program will provide Wayne County residents with healthy recipes and nutrition education.
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THE YOUTH CONNECTION
The Youth Connection (TYC) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization located on the East Side of Detroit, Michigan committed to connecting families to high-quality youth programs and resources. One of the three main services the organization provides is the I2D2 Fit ‘n’ Fun Family Clubs, their obesity prevention program.
One of the aims of I2D2 is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption for families living in Detroit. Our program highlights unique and accessible fruits and vegetables for family snacks along with easy-to-make recipes and ways to incorporate healthy eating habits into their day-to-day lives. Our data has shown we have made major strides in increasing the number of fruits and vegetables families consume after they finish the program.