Buckeye Health Plan Gives Ohioans Access to Healthy Produce
Date: 07/31/20
Partnership with Local Farmers and Produce Perks Kicks Off During National Farmers’ Market Week
Ohio has seen an exponential increase in the number of households experiencing economic hardship due to the effects of COVID-19. These hardships have caused many Ohioans to choose between basic necessities like food or to go without. In fact, 1.6 million Ohioans struggle with hunger. That is one in seven people including one in five children.1 Buckeye Health Plan is joining with local farmers’ markets and community partners to meet the growing need for healthy, affordable food options in low-income communities.
In honor of National Farmers’ Market week (August 2-8), Buckeye is holding a statewide 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 those on a limited budget at local farmers’ markets.
“Access to healthy, affordable food is a growing concern across the state, impacting many 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 to introduce our members to affordable healthy food options in their backyard and provide them with financial support to purchase fresh produce.”
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. Healthy eating is extended to all market-goers through educational activities, giveaways and recipes.
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.”
2020 Buckeye Fresh! Days:
- Cleveland Kamm's Corners, August 2 and September 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Cincinnati Findlay Farmers’ Market, August 8 and September 19 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Kent Haymaker Market, August 22 and September 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Toledo Farmers’ Market, August 29 and September 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
About Produce Perks Midwest (produceperks.org)
Produce Perks Midwest is an Ohio nonprofit that pioneers solutions to address inequities within our food system. Our work increases affordable access to healthy food, supports local farmers and strengthens local economies – in our most under-served communities. Our flagship program, Produce Perks, helps low-income families eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and growing local economies.
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