Two hospitals in New York are handing out prescriptions for fresh produce to at-risk patients.
The unconventional medical practice is part of a larger effort to help doctor's improve their patient's eating habits, CBS reported.
"This is probably going to prevent an awful lot more disease over the long-term than a lot of the medicines we tend to write for," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said Lincoln Medical Center and Harlem Hospital are teaming up with Wholesome Wave to get at-risk youths to eat more vegetables, The Gothamist reported.
Patients who receive the prescriptions, worth two dollars, can use them at any of the 142 farmers markets around the city.
"Each dollar invested in Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program nourishes public hospital patients and their families, boosts revenue at farmers markets, and supports overall community health," Deputy Mayor Gibbs said at a press conference. "Farmers markets support the City's efforts to keep communities fit by providing healthy and affordable dietary options in a localized setting."
Doctor's will keep an eye on the patients in the program for four months. The patient's Body Mass index and weight will be evaluated, and they will receive counseling in hopes of promoting healthier eating habits. If the program proves to be successful it will be expanded into more low-income neighborhoods.
The healthy prescription has already helped Tammy Fudge and her 11-year-old son, Tai-Jay lose weight. Tai-Jay has already lost 40 pound from his new diet, which improved his health and reduced his asthma symptoms, CBS reported.
"I lost the weight by eating vegetables and fruits and also exercising with my dear mother," Tai-Jay said.
"We started eating right. My son has not been in the hospital at all," Tammy said.
Precious River, a farmer's market shopper, believes the program is a step in the right direction, but not enough on its own.
"The doctor can encourage and can offer whatever, but it starts at home," she said.
