copyright the Chronicle August 2, 2017
by Elizabeth Trail
NEWPORT — Sometimes food is the best medicine.
And North Country Hospital has found a way to provide healthy food to at least a few of the people who need it most here in the Kingdom.
Last Thursday, the hospital launched a program called Health Care Share, that will put a weekly bag of locally grown fruits and vegetables into the kitchens of people suffering from chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, said Community Relations Director Wendy Franklin.
Doctors “prescribe” the fresh produce for their patients who meet health and eligibility guidelines, she said.
The program, which is by pre-registration only, is already filled for the year.
All told, it will serve about 80 families.
The majority of the people signed up for the Health Care Shares program pick up their bags at the hospital in Newport. But a small group will be served at the Barton clinic.
When participants come to pick up their vegetables, they get a chance to taste samples of the week’s featured foods. Last week, that meant sticks of raw vegetables and a cilantro-lime dressing to dip them in.
Everyone got a newsletter with recipes and cooking tips, and a manual full of nutrition information and ideas for healthy eating.
“Some of these foods are new to people,” Ms. Franklin said.
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