INDIANAPOLIS — Franciscan Health Indianapolis and the Indy Hunger Network are continuing the Fresh Start Market Produce Prescription Program this fall. The 6-week program provides diet options for healthy eating as well as chronic disease management education and support.
Sessions of the Produce Prescription Program will run each Monday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning on Monday, Oct. 13 and running through Dec. 1. There will be a break on Nov. 17 and Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving.
The Produce Prescription Program is available to those who have pre- or existing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or cancer. Participants must be referred by Franciscan Health physicians, screen positive for moderate to high food insecurity and complete a Cooking Matters course.
Each session features a cooking demonstration and healthy meal preparation. Participants also received take-home ingredients to recreate meals at home. In addition, those who complete the class receive six monthly distributions of 20 lb. of fresh produce.
The Produce Prescription Program will take place at the Franciscan Health Family Medicine Residency, located at 5230 East Stop 11 Road in Indianapolis.
The Produce Prescription Program is made possible in part through donations to the Franciscan Health Foundation’s Food Insecurity Fund. For more information or to donate, go online or call (317) 528-6618.
To register for the Produce Prescription Program, please contact Stacey Fink at Stacey.Fink@FranciscanAlliance.org or call (317) 528-3675.
Those who are not a Franciscan Health patient but are interested in participating, can contact Fink for additional information.