Chester County Food Bank (CCFB) has teamed up with local healthcare partners to launch the innovative Fruit & Vegetable Prescription program. The program aims to address food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles in Chester County.

This groundbreaking initiative not only provides food-insecure households and individuals with greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables but also advocates for the transformative power of food as medicine.

The Fruit & Vegetable Prescription program allows participants to redeem their prescriptions through two convenient avenues: the Fresh2You Mobile Market and CSA shares with Forge Hill Farm.

The Fresh2You Mobile Market, operating from June to November, brings a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce directly to communities in need. Participants can utilize their prescriptions to shop at any Fresh2You mobile market location, where they can also explore additional offerings such as dry goods, spice blends, eggs, and honey. Moreover, the market hosts cooking demonstrations and taste tests to inspire creative culinary endeavors with nutritious ingredients.

Alternatively, participants can opt for CSA shares with Forge Hill Farm, located in Downingtown. CSA membership grants individuals access to a diverse array of organic vegetables, allowing them to handpick their weekly selections and explore the farm’s offerings. Additionally, members can purchase supplementary items like meats and cheeses from local producers, fostering community support and sustainable agriculture practices.

Key to the success of the Fruit & Vegetable Prescription program is its dedicated partners, including healthcare providers who actively collaborate with CCFB to promote food security and holistic health. Patients at partner locations can redeem their prescriptions weekly at Fresh2You Mobile Market locations, ensuring seamless access to fresh produce as part of their healthcare regimen.

Interested individuals can explore Fruit & Vegetable Prescription options by contacting participating healthcare providers or Catie Mahoney, Director of Food Access & Education at CCFB. The program’s expansion underscores a commitment to addressing food insecurity and nurturing healthier communities throughout Chester County.

Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Partners:

• All Star Pediatrics: Exton
• ChesPenn Health Services Center for Family Health: Coatesville
• The Clinic: Phoenixville
• Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Community Health & Dental Care: Pottstown
• Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM): West Chester
• LCH: Kennett Square and Oxford
• Penn Family Medicine of Southern Chester County: West Grove
• WIC Clinics: Coatesville and Oxford

Through collaboration and community engagement, Chester County Food Bank’s Fruit & Vegetable Prescription program continues to pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future, one nutritious meal at a time.

Learn more about Chester County Food Bank and how it is the central hunger relief organization serving more than 160 partner agencies in Chester County. Through its network of food cupboards, hot meal sites, shelters, and other social service organizations, Chester County Food Bank distributes nearly 3.5 million pounds to community members with limited or uncertain access to adequate food.