Food Prescription

Good Food Rx: First Food Prescription Program in Arkansas

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Food Rx in Arkansas

Well Fed and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) East Regional Campus in Helena-West Helena are partnering to combat nutritional insecurity through a food prescription program and research study called Good Food Rx.

The program works with UAMS patients who have diet-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. It takes a holistic approach to diet intervention practices by empowering people to improve their health by consuming the right kinds of healthy foods.

How It Works

We give patients “prescriptions” for healthier, nutritious options focused on improving their health. Then, they receive groceries for free each month at an on-site food market developed by Well Fed. Good Food Rx held its first food delivery day on March 14.

“We are thrilled to launch this much-needed health care program here in Arkansas with UAMS. Together, we aim to forge a brighter future for health care and show that diet intervention is a powerful and necessary strategy to improve health outcomes.”

– Josh Harris, Executive Director

What is the Impact

LaShanda Albert, a research coordinator at the UAMS East, said the program is an important development for people in the Arkansas Delta, a region that contains counties with the lowest health outcomes in the state.

“We want to enrich people’s lives and improve their health. Good health is essential and valuable for every individual.”

Real, Measurable Health Impact

Like all our programs, the Good Food Rx will have monthly nutrition education classes. But as an official medical study, doctors will do monthly assessments of each patient’s biometrics. Engaging patients through these monthly meetings will help build confidence and accountability as they make life-changing choices to improve their health.

Change in Arkansas

Some of the components of what we’re doing with this project can be found across the country, but by putting these pieces together in a certain way, we’re creating something that’s unique.

This program will be beneficial to the residents of West Helena and to Arkansas as a whole. This study has the potential to open the way for other food prescription programs throughout the

state.

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Testimonials

Board Member Testimonial

Stacy

The mobile market program helps to increase healthy items that are better and healthier for the individual that participates in the program. It also provides an opportunity for food assistance, nutrition education, and social gathering opportunities for participants.

Participant Testimonial

Christian

This program helps with the essentials. People, especially those with big families, can use the money they’re [saving] on groceries somewhere else, like other bills.

Participant Testimonial

Ms. Bumblebee

I do what I can to stay healthy, but with bills to pay, I have to choose between gas and medicine, without much left for food. I can buy packaged food because it’s cheap, but it’s the fresh food that I really miss, and Well Fed provides it.

Participant Testimonial

Belinda

I haven’t missed a market for a year! I got diagnosed with diabetes in April so I’ve been learning a lot about how to treat it from Well Fed’s nutrition education each month. I feel better with access to healthy groceries and I know I’ll be getting better.

Participant Testimonial

Catherine

I know the power of nutrition and that’s why I like this program. It’s the only free food program where I can get healthy food consistently. And I don’t have to leave my community to get it!