Harvest Your Health program helps diabetic patients access fresh, local produce

July 19, 2022 -- A recently launched program from Reid Health in partnership with local farmers markets is helping diabetic patients add more fresh, locally sourced produce to their diets.

Through Harvest Your Health, healthcare providers identify diabetic patients who could benefit from eating additional produce and prescribe those patients vouchers that are redeemable at the Richmond or Fayette County farmers markets.

For individuals who might not be able to access the markets, there are options for pick-up at the Reid Café locations on the health system's campuses in Richmond and Connersville or delivery is available for qualifying participants living in Wayne or Fayette counties.

Patients in the program receive vouchers for 120 servings of produce per month if they're redeeming them at one of the farmers markets. Individuals using the pick-up or delivery options receive vouchers for 80 servings per month.

Through Harvest Your Health, healthcare providers identify diabetic patients who could benefit from eating additional produce and prescribe those patients vouchers that are redeemable at the Richmond or Fayette County farmers markets.

Part of the Indiana Department of Health's Produce Rx Pilot Program, Harvest Your Health is funded by a state grant of $48,000 and is open to residents of the communities served by Reid.

"We're very excited to partner with the farmers markets to help our diabetic patients increase their intake of fresh produce," said Billie Kester, Vice President for Continuum of Care at Reid Health. "Similar programs have been shown to reduce diabetic complications and lower average blood glucose levels.

"We feel very fortunate to be able to bring this to our communities and the patients we serve."

To determine if you're eligible for participation in the Harvest Your Health program, ask your provider to contact Reid Health Care Coordinator Katrina Davis, RN, at (765) 935-8588.