Residents of Crawford, Missaukee, Manistee, and Wexford Counties can now receive a prescription for free fruits and vegetables, as well as access to free virtual nutrition education through the Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program.
The program is funded through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, designed specifically to support individual and community health and is made possible by several partners including, District Health Department #10, Munson Healthcare, and Michigan State University Extension.
Transitioning the Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program Online
The program is based on a successful pilot program from Washtenaw County and came to Northern Michigan several years ago. It has since expanded several times to include new communities across the region.
In prior years, the program has been offered in-person at farmer’s markets around the region, but since the onset of COVID-19 has transitioned to a virtual platform to ensure the health and safety of participants and educators.
“Offering online, nutrition education classes has been a great way for MSU Extension to continue serving our communities and has allowed us to broaden the scope of what and how we offer programming. Due to COVID-19, folks aren’t able to interact with each other as they normally would. The combination of the virtual classes and the fruit and vegetable program has created a platform where community residents are still able to learn and engage with others. MSU Extension may be doing the teaching, but we are all learning from each other.
Caitlin Lorenc, MSU Extension community nutrition instructor.
The Virtual Nutrition Education Series
The virtual nutrition education series is a six-session live class taught by MSU Extension community nutrition instructors covering topics such as cooking for one, everyday strategies to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into meals, and enjoying daily movement.
Many participants have shared with us how they’re changing their lifestyles including limiting or removing pop from their diets, trying and enjoying a new healthy recipe, or adding an extra 10 minutes to their fitness program.
Following the education series, participants receive up to $100 in vouchers for purchasing fruits and vegetables through local vendors and markets to put into practice the knowledge they have gained.
How to Sign Up For Classes
Classes are scheduled through March of 2021. Please contact the program below to learn if other classes are being offered. Interested persons can receive a referral through various local public and health agencies doctors’ offices or by contacting the program directly.
- Crawford County residents 231-437-3481 or kjacobsen@mhc.net
- Manistee, Missaukee & Wexford residents 231-352-2976 or swilliams4@mhc.net