What if a doctor’s prescription wasn’t for medicine, but for a weekly bag of fresh vegetables? Benson Hospital is turning this novel idea into a reality through a new pilot program called Produce Rx. In collaboration with The Local Co-op, a community-supported agriculture organization, the initiative combines passion for healthy living with clinical research to address chronic diet-related illnesses.
The hospital has enrolled 20 patients in the pilot, which begins on Monday, September 15th. At no cost to the participants, they will receive a weekly supply of locally sourced produce from The Local Co-op, along with nutritional education and health monitoring from Benson Hospital.
A research team from Benson Hospital will measure specific health metrics, including blood sugar (A1C), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure. This data will be crucial in documenting the program’s effectiveness and could pave the way for a county-wide expansion.
Beyond the pilot, Benson Hospital is also making a broader commitment to public health by hosting the Cochise Mobile Market bus on-site every Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., making fresh produce available to the entire community.
