The number of people in New Mexico who are food-insecure is higher than the national average. (Food insecurity is when people live in a household in which access to food adequate to support a healthy life is limited or uncertain.) Inconsistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food can have a negative impact on the health of individuals of all ages.

Obesity rates in New Mexico have more than doubled in the last 20 years, with 28% of adults considered obese. This places a huge strain on our health care system by bringing with it an increase in related health problems such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes and even some forms of cancer. The annual cost to New Mexican individuals, families, and society due to diabetes is a staggering $1.8 billion a year. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients essential to preventing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, yet only 22% of adults in Santa Fe County eat 5+ fruits/vegetables every day.

Through FreshRx, doctors issue their patients “prescriptions” for four $25 vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables from the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market.

From the anonymous pre and post-participation surveys: 97% would like to participate again and 67% reported that this was their first visit to the Market. And, doctors reported that this program has helped strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, open up more dialog around healthy nutrition, and contributed to their patients building new healthy habits.

With the change to issuing higher-value prescriptions to fewer patients, we are able deepen the impact and simplify implementation by the participating doctors and clinics. We have given doctors an opportunity to strengthen their connections and discussions with patients about nutrition and healthy eating by engaging with them in a more meaningful way and providing real tools to change their eating habits.