Massachusetts Doctors Hand Out Vouchers for Farmers Markets
Doctors in Massachusetts are handing out vouchers for farmers markets to promote healthy eating and curb obesity rates.
Photo courtesy of http://www.freephotosbank.com
August 12, 2010
Doctors from three health centers are prescribing vegetables and fruit from farmers markets to help fight obesity in low incoming families. Each family gets coupons for $1 per family member to promote healthy eating habits. The effort will help farmers markets compete with fast food dollar menus.
In the 1980's, Massachusetts pioneered handing out coupons to low-income pregnant or nursing women for produce from farmers markets. The number of states with such programs has grown to 36. With this program, Massachusetts once again raises the bar on public health.
