North Carolina Allocates $10M to "Food as Medicine" Program

Why It Matters:

Eat Well, operated by Durham-based nonprofit Reinvestment Partners, has become the largest "produce prescription" program in the US, serving over 110,000 people. The program aims to help patients manage chronic diseases by providing financial assistance to purchase nutritious foods, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

The Details:

• Eat Well has received $10 million from the North Carolina General Assembly, marking the largest investment in a healthy food prescription program in the US.

• The program, operated by nonprofit Reinvestment Partners, has served over 110,000 people and is the largest "produce prescription" program in the country.

• Eat Well helps patients manage chronic diseases by providing financial assistance to purchase nutritious foods.

• The program has partnered with major retailers like Food Lion, Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway to ensure wider access to nutritious foods.

• Patients can enroll online and receive Eat Well funds electronically to purchase fruits and vegetables at partnering grocery retailers.

• Eat Well participation increases food security by 20% and reduces Emergency Department utilization by 30%.

• The program plans to continue improving through research partnerships with health insurance companies and North Carolina universities.

Conclusion:

The $10 million investment from the North Carolina General Assembly is expected to bring Eat Well closer to its goal of providing healthy food and healthcare for all. By addressing disease prevention through nutrition, the program aims to reduce healthcare costs and improve overall health outcomes.