Platos De Bienestar: Healthy Plates Produce Rx

In partnership with the Santa Cruz Community Health Centers the Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Markets ran a two-year produce prescription program called Platos de Bienestar or Healthy Plates, 2023-2024. Produce prescription models have been gaining steam around the country for over 10 years – investing in a food is medicine approach and increasing individual and household access to whole, healthy foods. This program was funded by the Central California Alliance for Health.

In 2023 60 individuals were enrolled and set goals for healthy eating and many completed the program. In 2024 we will enroll a second cohort of 120 individuals and expanded to include the Ben Lomond and Downtown Santa Cruz clinics as well as the Live Oak clinic. We also served patients at four of our five markets.

The Platos program provided patients with a prescription to eat more fruits and vegetables. The prescription can be “filled” at specific farmers markets weekly between May and October of each year. Patients receive $15-$25 worth of tokens each time they visit the farmers market, a maximum of 20 visits over the five or six month period. The tokens are specific for fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and fruit/vegetable plants.

Participating markets also hosted a series of special events in partnership with the health clinics and program partners including the Live Oak School District and the Santa Cruz Public Libraries. These events have a variety of features such as bilingual story time, market hunts with prizes, art making and food-focused activities including market tours and tastings. In addition, the clinics hosted monthly health-related events for participants – those who attend receive an additional $10 in Platos tokens to be spent at the farmers markets.

Contact Nicole with questions or for more information.