Promoting Health Equity through Produce Prescription Programs

Overview

With the rising prevalence of chronic disease, it is more important than ever to ensure that public health professionals, health care providers, and community-based organizations understand how to address the social drivers that may be negatively impacting their patients’ health. “Food as Medicine” interventions help build on New York State’s core mission of promoting health equity by addressing these social drivers of health. We know that the quality of food and nutrition impacts the overall health and well-being of individuals, but without access to affordable, high quality, and nutritious foods, the prevention, management, and treatment of many chronic diseases remains challenging. Food as Medicine interventions aim to directly tackle food and nutrition insecurity and are essential for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. This webinar will provide a general overview of Food as Medicine programs, with a specific emphasis on produce prescription programs. Trainees will learn the evidence behind these programs and the tools and resources available to help implement these strategies in order to benefit the health and well-being of all individuals living in New York State.