Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program Partners with the Ellenville Community to Support Nutrition and Wellness

A group of residents in the Ellenville/Wawarsing area recently completed a 10-week Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx), gaining valuable nutrition education and access to fresh produce. The program, offered through SNAP-Ed New York and supported by Ellenville Regional Hospital’s Rural Health Network, provided participants with up to $120 in vouchers to purchase fresh produce at Peter’s Market, a local, family-owned grocery store that has taken initiative in supporting the area following the closure of a major food retailer.

SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Mary Brimmer and Meghan Young, SNAP-Ed Nutritionist with the SNAP-Ed NY Hudson Valley team based out of Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County discussed the program on Radio Chatskill.

The program aimed to address food insecurity and promote healthy eating habits in the community. Participants, who were either residents of the area or patients of the hospital’s Rural Health Network, attended weekly sessions led by SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Mary Brimmer. These sessions covered a range of topics, including budgeting for healthy meals, managing food resources, cooking skills, label reading, and staying active. Classes explored how food connects to personal health, the environment, social and spiritual well-being, history, culture, and experiences of joy and celebration.

In addition to the educational component, the program culminated in a “grocery store tour” at Peter’s Market, where participants applied their learning in a real-world setting. The program fostered a sense of community among the participants, who shared recipes and tips throughout the sessions.

“This class has been super helpful for me,” shared a participant. “I talk about you [the program] all the time! I share the information with my daughter, and she’s been enjoying making the recipes!”

The FVRx program is a growing initiative in the Hudson Valley, with partnerships between SNAP-Ed NY, healthcare providers, and local retailers. In Ulster County, the program is supported by Ellenville Regional Hospital’s Rural Health Network, Peter’s Market, and Ulster Savings Bank.

A new cohort of the FVRx program is scheduled to begin in February 2025. Patients of Ellenville Regional Hospital interested in learning more about the program can contact Nutritionist Courtney Jollie at cjollie@erhny.org or (845) 647-6400, extension 205.

Image: FVRx program participants at Peter’s Market during the conclusion of a 10-session educational series lead by SNAP-Ed NY.