Success StoryPrescription Program



Prescription Program

Author: Chelsey Anderson

Planning Unit: Cumberland County CES

Major Program: Farmer's Markets

Plan of Work: Horticulture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

In Cumberland County, diabetes affects 16%, hypertension 42%, and heart disease deaths are 313 per year (all of which are above the state average), according to the Kentucky Health Facts. In the county 1140 individuals are food insecure. Only 2.3% consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, according to the CDC. So, in 2018 the Prescription program was created in conjunction with the Cumberland County Farmers’ Market, Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service, Cumberland County Health Coalition, Morgan’s Medicine, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This program provided a pack of $40.00 vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables to patients with, borderline, or have a family history of, diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Participants utilized a voucher every other week from June through August at the market. In total, 19 (14 female and 5 male) participated in the program with 13 completing five of six weeks. At the beginning of the program a male participant was diagnosed with being prediabetic. During the course of the Prescription Program he watched what he ate and consumed more fruits and vegetables. He lost 30+ pounds during the program.






Stories by Chelsey Anderson


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Stories by Cumberland County CES


Women in Ag

about 20 days ago by Chelsey Anderson

According to the 2022 United States Agriculture Census, Cumberland County has a total of 409 farms o... Read More


Dinner Theater

about 3 months ago by Chelsey Anderson

The average age of a farmer in the United States is now 58.1. This is according to the 2022 USDA Ag ... Read More