(Michigan City, IN)  - The hospital in Michigan City is offering a program to get sick people to eat their vegetables. 

 

The new Produce Prescription Program through Franciscan Health Michigan City is for those dealing with chronic disease, such as type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

 

“Our focus is whole-person care,” Franciscan Alliance Community Health Improvement Director Danielle Crowder said. “When you think about chronic disease management, the challenges are often the result of many other social factors. Management of chronic diseases can be exacerbated by living in a food desert, not being able to afford quality fruits and vegetables, a lack of transportation and personal mobility issues.”

 

Participants need not be patients within the Franciscan Health system.

 

Upon successful completion of the free, four-week program, participants will receive produce vouchers for fresh fruit every month for six months.

 

The program is funded by a grant from the Indiana Department of Health.

 

The program will meet on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning July 9 and concluding July 30.

 

To register and for more information, contact Selena Tinoco at Selena.Tinoco@FranciscanAlliance.org or call (219) 221-4153.