A partnership among healthcare providers, local produce suppliers, nutritionists, and educators will help bridge the gap between low-income diabetes patients in Suffolk County and the wholesome food needed for successful treatment.
As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to the Biden-Harris National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, the Community Education program at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) will receive more than $420,000 to support the Fruit & Veggie Prescription program addressing diabetes in Suffolk County.
The program was set in motion at a launch event on March 24 at the Sun River Health Center in Brentwood.
According to the New York State Department of Health, the diabetes rate in the county equals 10.1 percent, or more than 150,000 people. That figure stands slightly below the statewide figure of 11.0 percent, which represents a total of approximately 1.7 million residents across the state with the disease.
According to The Mayo Clinic, those with diabetes should focus on eating healthy foods in order to control blood sugar (glucose), manage weight, and control such heart disease risk factors as high blood pressure and high blood fats.
The funds come as part of the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), a national USDA grant program that brings together stakeholders from various parts of the food and healthcare systems. The program is named for the late Gus Schumacher, a USDA official who was a founder of Bridgeport, CT-based Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved consumers make healthier food choices by increasing affordable access to healthy, locally and regionally grown foods.
The Fruit & Veggie Prescription program offers Nutrition Workshops for low-income diabetes patients at the Sun River Health Center. The workshops are led by a CCE Suffolk Nutrition Educator. After learning the importance of healthy eating, participants receive vouchers for free, locally grown vegetables and fruits, redeemable at two Brentwood locations: the family-owned Gala Foods supermarket at 1925 Brentwood Road and the 20-acre Thera Farms in Brentwood. Vouchers may also be used for the purchase of selected canned and frozen products.
Each individual receives a $20 voucher for each nutrition workshop they attend. If a patient attends all twelve workshops, they will earn a total of $240 in vouchers. The program expects to distribute more than $100,000 in vouchers overall. Sun River Health Center healthcare providers will also monitor patients before and after the program to compare data.
“CCE Suffolk is always working to expand our programming, making Suffolk County a better place to live and work,” says Christina Nadolne, Program Manager of CCE Suffolk’s Fruit & Veggie Prescription program. “With this federal funding, we can bridge the gap among Suffolk County farms, local healthcare providers, and the people that really can use the programs. Fresh fruits and vegetables are things that many Long Islanders take for granted, but this program allows even more people to make healthier choices.”
“Supporting those with diabetes in Suffolk County has been a core function of CCE Suffolk for decades, and we’re always working to expand this area of our Community Education program,” said Vanessa Lockel, Executive Director of CCE Suffolk. “The Fruit & Veggie Prescription program will be an excellent way to make sure these resources are being made readily available to vulnerable community members.”
“Over the years, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk has worked in close cooperation with Suffolk County on a wide range of valuable initiatives,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “Our newest joint effort, the Fruit & Veggie Prescription program, is certain to help improve the health of our county residents.”
“Many households in my district face both economic and health-related challenges,” said Suffolk County Legislator Samuel Gonzalez, whose Ninth Legislative District includes Brentwood and who took part in the March 24 launch event. “For those with diabetes, the Fruit & Veggie Prescription program will deliver great benefits. Residents will first learn about the value of healthy eating – and then will receive vouchers enabling them to purchase free, locally grown produce.”
At its outset, the program will focus on the community of Brentwood. CCE Suffolk hopes to expand it to other high-need areas of Suffolk County in the future.
Since 1926, CCE Suffolk Community Educators have worked in partnership with the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University to translate research-based information into practical and useful educational resources for Suffolk County residents. They work to educate, empower, and support lifestyle changes through an array of educational resources, both digital and hands on. CCE Suffolk is also a conduit for several government programs, including SNAP-Ed, EFNEP, & WIC Peer Counselors.
To learn more about CCE Suffolk’s Community Education program, visit https://ccesuffolk.org/community-education.
Inquiries regarding the Fruit & Veggie Prescription program can be directed to Christina Nadolne at cmn89@cornell.edu or (516) 314-9464.
About Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Established in 1917, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (CCE Suffolk) is a non-profit community education agency that works to preserve the county’s agricultural resources, marine life, protect our eco-systems, support families, provide community service opportunities for youth, and advance research-based education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Affiliated with Cornell University as part of the national land grant university system, CCE Suffolk’s staff consists of educators, researchers, specialists, and support personnel who are dedicated to making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work.
CCE Suffolk is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under an organizational model approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York.
More information is available at http://ccesuffolk.org/.