The Big Food Question

What If Produce Was Treated Like Medicine?

Episode Summary

What if produce was treated like medicine and doctors could prescribe healthy food? A growing body of Produce Rx programs allow individuals living with diet-related chronic illnesses to access vouchers for fruits and vegetables. This episode explores the implementation and funding of Produce Rx programs, using DC Greens as a case study. Then we take a look at the big picture questions these programs pose for future nutrition and public health policy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episode Notes

What if produce was treated like medicine and doctors could prescribe healthy food? A growing body of Produce Rx programs allow individuals living with diet-related chronic illnesses to access vouchers for fruits and vegetables. This episode explores the implementation and funding of Produce Rx programs, using DC Greens as a case study. Then we take a look at the big picture questions these programs pose for future nutrition and public health policy, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This episode is part of a three-episode mini-series created in collaboration with The Rockefeller Foundation. To learn more about the Foundation's Food Initiative and global commitments, visit rockefellerfoundation.org/commitment/food.

Have a question you want answered? Email us at question@heritageradionetwork.org

This project is funded in part by a Humanities New York CARES Grant with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the federal CARES Act. 

This program is also supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

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