NW Michigan Food and Farming Network Report to the Community 2015 Report to the Community | Page 54

Food and Farming network Food, Farms & Health Program connects local food and wellness By Diane Conners Michigan Land Use Institute Everyone’s heard the saying: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Now, the Michigan Land Use Institute, Munson Healthcare, MSU Extension, health departments, employee wellness coordinators, schools, farms, and others in the region are working to connect the dots between locally grown food, health care, and wellness in the region. An October 2013 event, called “Food, Farms & Health,” was the launch of the effort and it was attended by about 120 people from all of those sectors. One of the innovative ideas showcased Washtenaw County Public Health’s use of fruit and vegetable prescriptions to help people make nutritious dietary changes. It also provides patients with tokens to spend like cash on fruits and vegeta- Washtenaw County Public Health, uses the persuasive power of a fruit and vegetable prescription to help people make nutritious dietary changes. A slide from the 2014 Food, Farms & Health conference highlights St. Joseph Hospital’s innovative garden program. (Photo: St. Joseph Hospital) bles at farmers markets. Last year, 89 percent of the 151 patients who participated said it helped them to better manage a health condition, and it put $6,875 into the local economy. Now, a Munson-affiliated initiative called Shape Up North is working to create a culture of health in our community. They are discussing possible implementation of a similar prescription program here. Other ideas included: • A health insurance program in Wisconsin in which three insurance companies provide rebates for subscriptions to Community Supported Agriculture farms as a wellness benefit choice similar to a gym membership. • Hospital models for significantly increasing institutional purchases 49 of locally grown products (Beaumont and Bronson hospitals in Royal Oak and Kalamazoo) or for using local food and gardens to promote healthy eating (Munson and St. Joseph hospitals in Traverse City and Ann Arbor). • Farm to Senior programs getting local food into Senior Center meals (Petoskey’s Friendship Center) and Meals on Wheels (Traverse City’s Goodwill Industries.) • A proposed regional buying cooperative for food pantries and the 10 Cents a Meal program for schools to purchase locally grown food. To learn more and get involved, contact [email protected]. www.mlui.org/food-farming/