Aspirus Health Expands Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program
8/4/2025
Residents of seven
communities in the Aspirus Health service area now have additional access to
fresh produce at their local farmers market thanks to this year’s expansion of
the Aspirus Fruit and Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program.
Aspirus FVRx was
created as a medically based intervention to support Aspirus patients. From
farm to table, the fresh produce at your local farmers market is one of the
healthiest ways to get all your nutrients.
The new additions to
the Aspirus FVRx program are Park Falls, Marathon City, Owen, Crandon and the
Stevens Point Outdoor market in Wisconsin; Central Hillside and Lincoln Park
markets in Duluth and also The Market at Burlington Station in Two Harbors, Minnesota.
With previously established locations in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan, approximately 30 community-based farmers markets now offer access to
the program and support local farmers.
Eligible patients
are identified by the Care Coordination Team at Aspirus facilities in
participating communities as having a need. The program is intended for
individuals with diagnosable chronic conditions, a need for food access
support, and patients working with a care team member on healthier eating.
Eligible patients are given a “prescription” to use at one of many
participating farmers markets in the Aspirus service area.
“We know that a diet
that’s rich in fruits and veggies is healthy for us, but not everyone has the
same access to these items,” says Kari Due, Aspirus Community Health
Improvement Specialist. “This program is designed to place nutritious foods in
the hands of more families in our communities and as a bonus, buying them at a
farmers market is a fantastic opportunity to support our local farmers.”
Aspirus Health is
also a member of the Central Wisconsin Farmers Market Collaborative. The
collaborative is supporting markets by helping plan and create sustainability
and increase access by bringing additional opportunities such as EBT
machines.
Launched in 2016,
the FVRx program at Aspirus Health strengthens the connection between clinical
care and community resources. By empowering individuals to make healthier food
choices, the program aims to drive measurable improvements in overall health outcomes.
Eating at least five cups of fruits and vegetables daily is a proven way to
help prevent type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
“This program
enables health care providers and staff to assist eligible patients in
increasing their fruit and vegetable intake by connecting them with local
resources, particularly farmers’ markets,” said Due.
August 3-9 is
designated as National Farmers Market Week; this annual celebration highlights
the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system.
For the full list
of participating farmers market locations and more information on the Aspirus
FVRx program, visit https://www.aspirus.org/fvrx-program.
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