912 Food Farmacy: Savannah’s new produce prescription program by LeeAnna Tatum

The Forsyth Farmers’ Market has been a leader in the local food movement and a proponent for food justice and food access for the past ten years in Savannah. Once again, the market is broadening the scope of what a market can accomplish within the community!

Breaking new ground with partners in the health field, FFM was given a grant by the United States Department of Agriculture to establish a produce prescription program. The $455,000 grant is to be paid out over the course of three years beginning in 2020.

FFM was one of eight organizations chosen throughout the US for this grant and is the only farmers’ market represented.

“This is the first year the USDA has designated money for prescription programs,” explained FFM Director Jeb Bush. “We’re one of eight cities in the nation who are operating this program ... I think we’re the only farmers market … which puts us in a unique place.”

The produce prescription program has been named 912 Food Farmacy. It’s stated goal is to improve community health through nutrition education, increased access to fresh and local foods, and financial incentives for purchasing healthy food items.

FFM is partnering with four local healthcare providers: Memorial Health Children’s Hospital, Chatham County Health Department, St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Health Center and J.C. Lewis Primary Health Care Center.

The 912 Food Farmacy seeks to reduce the prevalence and impact of obesity-related chronic disease by increasing healthy eating habits among at-risk populations and to increase healthy mealtime habits among families by making healthy food options more accessible and increasing knowledge of healthy eating.

“We’re really excited about the program,” said Brittany Lightsey, Children’s Wellness Coordinator at Memorial Health, “we know that our families are in need of fresh fruits and vegetables. And we’re excited to be able to bring that access right to them at the hospital.”

“As a registered dietician,” Lightsey continued, “I think food insecurity and access to healthy foods has been one of the biggest barriers that I see with my patients.”

“Another thing the hospital has been supportive of and excited about is culinary medicine - the idea of treating food as medicine and looking at preventive care,” she explained. “I’ve seen culinary medicine described as a ‘new evidence-based field blending the art of cooking with the science of medicine’. This will enhance the efficacy of our patients in being able to choose healthful foods and recreate recipes at home.”

Each of the participating healthcare facilities will “prescribe” the Farmacy program to eligible patients. Participants must be low-income and have or be at risk of having a dietary-related chronic disease. As part of the program, participants will attend monthly classes presented by FFM. These classes will cover healthy living, nutrition information and cooking.

Foryth Farmers' Market Director Jeb Bush at launch of 912 Food Farmacy earlier this year.

“When you come to St. Mary’s Health Center, we take care of the whole of you, and fresh local produce will help many families we serve get good nourishment to make their diets whole,” said Sr. Pat Baber, Director of the St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Health Center. “The 912 Food Farmacy will be a key partner to give those we serve an advantage to reach greater health outcomes!”

At the end of each session, participants will receive vouchers which can be used right there at the 912 Farm Truck to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers.

Through this program, patients - and by extension, their families - will not only learn about local, fresh produce and how to incorporate it into their daily diets, but they will also have access to those foods and the financial means with which to purchase them. For many, this opportunity could be truly life changing.

912 Food Farmacy will also be directing approximately $90k per year back to local farmers in the form of produce purchases which will have a significant impact on the local food system. This program has the potential to build healthier communities through better nutrition and a stronger local food economy.