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Grant

FARMacy: A Prescription for a Healthier Community

Sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture

Active
$233.5K Funding
4 People
External

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Abstract

Summary:Each year, 85% of U.S. healthcare funds are spent on chronic diseases related to nutrition and 600,000 people die from these diseases. The diseases impact underserved people and communities at double and triple the average rates. Community-based evidence clearly demonstrates that increasing nutrition knowledge not only improves health, but also reduces structural barriers and health inequities. These changes enhance productivity and longevity across the U.S.Goal: We have a strong 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors (HLA) program with a consistent track record of positive youth development that is embedded in an at-risk community in Tucson. Our goal is to immerse teens in leadership and skill development activities that focus on teaching seed-to-table nutrition and hosting large community events that foster nutrition security, address health inequities, and reduce food wastage in at-risk communities in Tucson and South Phoenix.Objectives: Our teens gain skills in:(1) curriculum development and implementation - systematically incorporating nutrition security interventions into our farm-fresh produce-distribution events(2) leadership that impacts communities - addressing health inequities and enhancing community health and wellness(3) innovation - designing and implementing a blueprint for seeding at-risk communities across Arizona with 4-H HLA programs adapted to local needsMethods: Our FARMacy program leverages the science of produce-prescription programs to provide our at-risk community with affordable produce and tailored nutrition education. It uniquely augments the traditional model by offering these services in our vegetable gardens and having them presented by teen ambassadors. We teach teens to organize large-scale, intergenerational, community-based events and conduct them on a regularly scheduled basis. They create age-appropriate, approachable, bilingual demonstrations of identifying nutrient dense foods from the garden; hands-on food preparation and cooking of produce; cultural differences in food preparation; and ultimately, consumption of highly palatable vegetables.Project Relevance: Building a sustainable FARMacy for their community allows teens to see how their skills and effort rapidly contribute to improving the health and well-being of their community. This experience sets the stage for a lifelong commitment to individual and community health.

People