SDSU Extension is launching Dakota Food Rx, a produce prescription program in Sturgis and Spearfish.
Dakota Food Rx, supported by the South Dakota Community Foundation, allows qualifying patients to receive “prescriptions” from participating health care providers. Not technical prescriptions, they can be redeemed for boxes of fresh, locally grown produce from farms participating in community-supported agriculture shares.
SDSU Extension is recruiting South Dakota produce growers who sell via community-supported agriculture, farmers’ markets or other direct market channels for 2025.
Patients, growers and health care providers across South Dakota interested in participating in the Dakota Food Rx program in 2025 can fill out a form at the Dakota Food Rx page.
Geb Bastian, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, said produce prescription programs have been implemented all over the U.S. to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Dakota Food Rx is unique because of its focus on providing local produce.
“I’m excited about Dakota Food Rx because it will allow patients struggling with food insecurity to receive fresh, locally grown produce that can help manage diet-related chronic conditions,” Bastian said. “Eating healthy is so expensive now. This program lets folks afford fresh, healthy food while also supporting our local growers.”
About 1 in 5 deaths in the U.S. and around the world are caused by diseases that can be linked to poor diets, including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, like breast and colorectal cancer. Many people cannot access or afford healthful foods, like fruits and vegetables, to help manage or prevent such diseases.
Roughly 73,000 South Dakotans are considered food insecure, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life.” Food insecurity can impact people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and income levels.
Source : sdstate.edu