Konza’s clinic in Manhattan recently initiated a nutrition prescription program for patients using the Kansas Statewide Farmworker Health Program. Konza received one of two grants across Kansas to pilot the program in Riley County. Patients will be offered up to $45 every month, for one year, to spend on fresh fruit and vegetables purchased at local farm stores and the farmers’ market.
Konza dietitian Tracy Sabo said, “This is a unique opportunity, and we are excited to be part of the project. A nutrition prescription is like a medication prescription; providers will prescribe a specific number of fruits and vegetables to eat each day. The best part is patients will be provided food coupons to cover the fruit and vegetable cost.”
The program kicked off this past week, and staff are eager to connect patients with the program. Konza Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Ebert stated, “This is going to be a great opportunity to engage with clients about what they are eating and how much, which impacts their overall health and certain diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and weight; as well as food insecurity.”
For more information about this innovative program, contact Tracy Sabo at 785-238-4711, x.2080.
Picture: Tracy Sabo, dietitian, and Anabel Seaman, Konza Manhattan clinic interpreter
