Docs Writing Veggie Vouchers To Combat Obesity

“Physicians have long told patients fighting obesity to eat their fruits and vegetables. Now they’re writing prescriptions for it. Health care providers are offering vouchers worth $1 per day to members of low-income families in Massachusetts and Maine participating in a new program. The idea is to boost consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by providing one serving a day from local farmers. The program, created by Connecticut-based Wholesome Wave, is formally launching Wednesday in Portland and Skowhegan, five days after it began in Massachusetts. It will measure how the fresh produce affects blood pressure, weight and body mass index; blood-sugar levels; and participants’ weight. It also collects data on physical activity.”

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/healthcare/view.bg?articleid=1275340&srvc=business&position=recent