Buckeye Fresh! Farmers Market Days Combat Lasting Effects of COVID
Date: 06/03/21
Buckeye Health Plan’s Partnership with Produce Perks Gives Ohioans Access to Healthy Produce
Columbus, OH – The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant increase in food insecurity across the country. Feeding America projects that an additional 10 million people, including 4 million children are now food insecure nationwide.[1] Over the past year, many Ohioans have chosen between basic necessities like food or to go without. Ohio now ranks 5th in the U.S. for food security with more than 1.6 million people challenged to meet their basic needs.[2]
Buckeye Health Plan is hosting Buckeye Fresh! farmers’ market days across the state in partnership with Produce Perks, a healthy food incentive program, to provide access to healthy, affordable food and raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition for all Ohioans.
“As your guide to better health, we believe that healthy, affordable foods should be accessible in low-income communities where our members live,” said Steve Province, President and CEO of Buckeye Health Plan. “Buckeye is honored to partner with local farmers’ markets and Produce Perks bringing nutritious, healthy food options to our members’ neighborhoods and the financial support to purchase it.”
Buckeye members attending the market on Buckeye Fresh! days will get a $10 voucher to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, and children of members will receive a free Buckeye Buck to purchase a healthy snack, too.
Market goers can use two Produce Perks programs for additional healthy food. SNAP/EBT shoppers will receive a $1 for $1 match at the market from Produce Perks. In addition, families with children in the household can receive an additional $40 voucher to purchase healthy food if they meet income requirements.
“We are excited to partner with Buckeye on this exciting initiative,” said Tevis Foreman, Executive Director of Produce Perks Midwest. “Partnerships like this are essential to improving the health of Ohio families. Together we are strengthening communities and supporting Ohio farmers, all while helping Ohio families put healthy food on the table.”