Physician's Prescribing Fruits and Vegetables

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/01/prescribing-vegetables-not-pills/?mabReward=RI%3A14&_r=1

I saw this article in the NY Times and was very happy to see New York starting such an awesome program!  The Harlem Hospital Center enrolled overweight/obese middle school children into an innovative program to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.  The point of the program was not necessary to lose weight, but to instill healthier eating habits that would in turn cause weight loss, and it has worked.  The program was created by a non-profit organization that promoted increased access to healthy, fresh foods in "food desert" and limited economic areas.  The families in the program are given nutritional education, healthy recipes, and "Health Bucks" which are redeemable at local produce markets, to allow these families to purchase more fruits and vegetables.

This program is stemming off of the already existing food stamps program, however is pushing the consumption of fresh, health produce instead of allowing people to buy whatever they want.  It also is addressing the obesity epidemic through change, and not promoting diet and exercise that is likely to fall on deaf ears.  It follows along with a lot that we have learned throughout the semester, especially how small changes can lead to big differences.

The program found that 90% of families were shopping at farmers markets, and 70% understood more about the benefits of fruits and vegetables.  Spreading awareness and enthusiasm for healthier eating can be a major success in battling obesity.