Healthy produce program assists low-income diabetics

A new program will help provide low-income diabetic patients with healthy fruits and vegetables.

The federally funded effort allows low-income diabetic patients to attend nutrition workshops at the Sun River Health Center in Brentwood and receive vouchers toward the purchase of healthful food products at two designated produce markets.

The pool of vouchers is valued at more than $100,000.

The “Fruit & Veggie Prescription” program, under the federal Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, is sponsored locally by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.

The program represents an innovative partnership among healthcare providers, organic produce suppliers, nutritionists, and educators that bridges the gap between low-income diabetes patients in Suffolk County and the wholesome food they need for more successful treatment.

Vouchers can be used toward the purchase of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables at two sites: the family-owned Gala Foods supermarket at 1925 Brentwood Road in Brentwood and the 20-acre Thera Farms at 1705 Brentwood Road in Brentwood. Vouchers may also be used for the purchase of selected canned and frozen products.

Click here for more information about the “Fruit & Veggie Prescription” program.