Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida recently unveiled a new Mobile Farmers Market in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.
The Mobile Farmers Market initiative expands Second Harvest’s ‘Food is Medicine’ programming by increasing access to fresh produce for adults with hypertension.
Volusia County residents who receive a referral will be able to shop for $36 worth of fresh produce each week when Second Harvest’s specially outfitted refrigerated vehicle visits one of three Department of Health locations in Daytona Beach or Orange City. Mobile Farmers Market participants will be able to select from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and then learn how to prepare the food in a way that tastes good.
A grant from Publix Supermarkets secured the vehicle that was outfitted into a refrigerated mobile market for Second Harvest. Funding from the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program covers the cost to purchase produce. Learn more about this approach to health and hunger in the story from Spectrum News 13.
“This Mobile Farmers Market is an exciting step forward in our ‘Food is Medicine’ efforts,” said Derrick Chubbs, President and CEO at Second Harvest. “By bringing fresh, nutritious produce directly to Volusia County neighbors, we’re helping individuals take control of their health through the power of food. It’s not just about access – it’s about empowering families to embrace habits that can impact long term health outcomes.”
During a 16-week pilot program, healthcare professionals will monitor the effects of fresh produce on patients’ blood pressure. The goal is to provide a clear connection between nutrition and improving medical outcomes for individuals who are also experiencing food insecurity.
“The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is excited to partner with Second Harvest to offer the Food Prescription Program in coordination with our clinic services. FDOH providers write a prescription for patients to visit the Second Harvest Food Truck, with the intent to incorporate healthy foods to reduce the incidence of chronic disease,” said Stephen Civitelli, Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.
The Mobile Farmers Market joins Second Harvest’s Food is Medicine programming, which takes a collaborative approach to increasing access to nutritious foods, establishing partnerships with healthcare practitioners and providing nutrition education to help improve the health and wellbeing of neighbors facing food insecurity.
