By: Andy Hirschfield Sept 2020
DON'T MISS IT. THIS IS A GOOD INITIATIVE BECAUSE MANY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS START FROM A VERY POOR DIET THAT'S LACKING IN VITAL NUTRIENTS. OUR BODY AND BRAIN CAN ONLY TAKE SO MANY INSULTS BEFORE THEY BREAK DOWN IN SOME WAY. CONGRATS TO THESE CARING WORKERS!

Since 2019, the VeggieRx produce prescription program in Chicago has offered food-insecure residents with diet-related illnesses free local produce every week. Patients receive prescriptions from Primary Care Physicians and Dietitians, and can pick up a weekly bag of fruits and veggies, as well as taking Cooking Lessons.
The program operates in the North Lawndale area of Chicago, where the diabetes mortality rate is 62 percent higher than the national average, and it played a key role in helping residents get access to fresh, whole foods before the pandemic. Over the last five months, however, it has seen a surge in demand.
“Prior to COVID, we had about 35 to 70 weekly boxes across our three locations — and now the sites are [serving] upwards of 130 to 160 boxes per week,” says Kris Delatorre, an urban farmer at Windy City Harvest, the organization that grows produce for the VeggieRx program at three farms throughout the city.…






