Wholesome Wave GeorgiaFood For Health
We offer nutrition education and produce prescriptions through our Food For Health program.
Patients assessed for food insecurity and diet-related illnesses by healthcare providers, and community members in underserved communities · 6 month program; the Our Model section describes a 6-8 month program
From wholesomewavegeorgia.org/food-for-health ↗About this program
In Georgia, 11% of employed adults and 9.5% of seniors lived in food insecure households between the years of 2021 & 2023. Food insecurity means having limited or uncertain access to adequate, nutritious food. Food insecurity, and the lack of access to affordable nutritious food, are associated with increased risk for multiple chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, mental health disorders and other chronic diseases.
Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG) uses produce prescription (PPR) as part of our Food for Health program model to reduce chronic health risks that are associated with food insecurity.
WWG takes Produce Prescription (PPR) programming a step further through the Wholesome Wave Georgia Food for Health Program. To increase the benefits, our work is rooted in "local." That looks like local food on every plate, local partners on the ground, and local preferences guiding our work. No two sites look the same, because no two communities are the same.
Food for Health is a 6-8 month program that includes a produce prescription component, references UGA SNAP-ED education curriculum, and connects community members to their local farmers market. In collaboration with a healthcare provider and or a local food system producer, a program eligibility screening survey is distributed to identify program participants. Once a program site cohort has been finalized, individual participants can begin redeeming produce prescriptions for fresh fruit and vegetables at partnered markets, and attend educational courses alongside other cohort members. Once the program term ends, a program graduation is held to recognize participants that completed program requirements. Wholesome Wave Georgia collects, evaluates, and measures key impact indicators.
WWG's Food For Health promotes affordable access to produce and healthy eating in underserved communities through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations, and retailers. Healthcare providers give families innovative prescriptions that can be spent on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets.
Questions
What are Produce Prescriptions (PPR)?
A Produce Prescription (PPR) is a medical treatment or preventative service for eligible patients due to diet-related health risks or conditions, food insecurity, or other documented challenges in access to nutritious foods. When appropriately dosed, PPRs are designed to improve healthcare outcomes, optimize medical spending, and increase patient engagement and satisfaction.
How does the program work?
Patients are assessed for food insecurity and diet-related illnesses by healthcare providers. Participants redeem food prescriptions and take part in culinary and wellness education classes. Participants learn to make healthier food choices and prepare nutritious meals.
What happens at the end of the program?
Once the program term ends, a program graduation is held to recognize participants that completed program requirements.
Details
- Who
- Patients assessed for food insecurity and diet-related illnesses by healthcare providers, and community members in underserved communities
- When
- 6 month program; the Our Model section describes a 6-8 month program
- Where
- Participating farmers markets across Georgia
Run by
SNAP ConnectionFreeWe provide free application assistance for SNAP (Food Stamps) and other benefits through our SNAP Connection program.
Fresh For LessWe match SNAP/EBT spending dollar for dollar at partner farmers markets and retailers through our Fresh for Less program.Your Health VisionThat's why Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG) launched Your Health Vision, an initiative designed to help seniors visualize and take control of their health journey.