Glasgow Clinic Prescribes Vegetables to Patients as Medicine

In New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, an innovative pilot program at the Highland Health Home and Learning Centre is prescribing vegetables to patients as a form of medicine. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity while emphasizing the role of nutrition in health.

Vegetable Prescription Initiative

Launched by social worker Brittany Currie, the program is designed to provide patients with fresh vegetables from local farms. Currie expressed her satisfaction, noting that many patients are surprised to receive these nutritious products for free.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Concerned about rising food costs, Currie partnered with Summer Street Farm, a non-profit that employs people with diverse abilities. The farm has established a greenhouse that produces fresh greens, which are then donated to the clinic.

Community Impact

• The pilot program lasts 12 weeks and is funded by local philanthropist Jamie MacGillivray.
• Approximately 40 families at Highland Health have benefited so far.
• Patients receive a weekly supply of greens, including spinach, bok choy, and kale.

Highland Health targets families with children aged 24 and under, a demographic significantly affected by food insecurity in Nova Scotia. Along with fresh produce, the center provides dietary recipes created by a nutritionist to encourage healthy eating habits.

Tracking Progress

Haley Kirby, the primary health-care coordinator at Highland Health, is monitoring the initiative’s success. The program has aided about 170 people so far, with some families returning weekly even without scheduled appointments. This growing interest highlights the need for accessible healthy food options.

Future Potential

Kirby and Currie believe that this program could be expanded to other clinics in the region. Reducing the stigma associated with food banks is another key benefit of the initiative, as it is not tied to income restrictions.

Nutritional security is crucial for preventing chronic diseases. In Nova Scotia, dental health is a significant concern among children, making nutritional initiatives like this essential for overall well-being.

Response from Farmers

At Summer Street Farm, the partnership with Highland Health brings joy to the farmers who feel a sense of pride in helping the community. The initiative not only supports patients but also uplifts those who work tirelessly to provide healthy food.

This vegetable prescription program exemplifies how health providers can enhance wellness through nutrition, offering a model that could inspire similar efforts across the province.