WAUSAU, Wis. — Farmers’ markets are a common way to get cheap and fresh produce, but Aspirus Health in central Wisconsin is taking it one step further.

Patients there will sometimes receive a prescription for fruit and vegetables that can be redeemed at farmers’ markets. It’s a part of the organization’s Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program (FVRx).

Local vendors are happy to help patients that stop by.

Chao Lor has been a vendor at the Aspirus Health Farmers’ Market in Wausau for 14 years.

“I like to make fresh vegetables for the people and to help them be healthy,” said Lor.

Most transactions are identical to every other farmers’ market. However, Aspirus Health hosts their markets at their locations in central Wisconsin and upper Michigan.

Tara Draeger is the system director of community health. She said having the farmers’ markets on their campuses makes it easier for patients to take advantage of the FVRx program. 

“A care provider works with our patients, and they have access to write a prescription for you for fruits and vegetables and the patient is then able to come to the market and redeem for $20 worth of tokens to use for frozen vegetables,” said Draeger.

For Draeger, the program is about recognizing that the number of people experiencing food insecurities has risen over the last several years.

She said that’s why it’s important for them to provide more healthy food options and recipes.

“We are also giving them a resource so that everybody can use the market and try the fruits and vegetables, talk to the vendors about how to pick out the most fresh produce and what to do with it and how to use it in recipes and things like that.” said Draeger.

Lor said as she puts her vegetables out for sale every week, she has one thought in her mind.

“To help the people and help my family. I have put in a lot for my family,” said Lor.

She said she hopes to continue providing healthy food options in her community for years to come.