Photo: Sydney Boles
A novel program at UF Health Jacksonville is making healthy food a part of the treatment plan. The hospital says its “prescription” for vegetables makes it the first food pharmacy in Florida.
For some medical issues like high blood pressure, or diabetes a key part of the treatment plan is a healthy diet.
But for many low-income patients, accessing nutritious food is a challenge.
Ann-Marie Knight is the vice president for community engagement at UF Health.
“Our patients often live in food deserts. So if they can’t physically get to a grocery store because they lack the transportation, they have physical barriers, or they lack the finances to get to the grocery store, we want to provide that service.”
Hurricane season officially started on June 1st. To prepare, emergency officials recommend families have enough food for seven days in the event of a storm.
The Greater Jacksonville Area USO s Healthy Military Family Initiative provides access to a food pantry as well as classes in healthy living and cooking, among other things. The USO also hosts