Grow Youngstown, Mercy Health Increase Access to Fresh Produce

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Grow Youngstown and Mercy Health have joined forces to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for patients and residents of North Side neighborhoods.

The program, subsidized by Mercy Health and Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, allows patients who meet eligibility requirements to join Farm to YOU, a community-supported agriculture market that specializes the local produce Grow Youngstown offers.

Participants have the choice of five shares, tailored by size and duration, to fit their specific needs, officials said. Participants may also choose to use their fruit and vegetable prescriptions at the monthly farmers market coordinated by Lake to River Food Cooperative and Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership.

Farm to YOU connects consumers to farmers who grow their produce on farms within a 30-mile radius of Youngstown and Warren. Fully 80% of the produce is either certified organic or grown on farms that use only products approved by the Organic Materials Research Institute.

Sourcing locally reduces carbon emissions because the trucks that transport the produce are driven shorter distances.

Mercy Health physicians within Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties will assess patients on case-by-case to determine whether this program suits them.

Those interested in purchasing shares in Farm to YOU can call 330 268 0688 or visit this website.

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