ACORN's Farmacy Program Improves Food Security while Supporting Local Farms

Story and photo by Marin Howell, Addison County Independent

ACORN's Farmacy: Food is Medicine program in Middlebury is making a real difference for 100 local families by providing weekly shares of fresh produce from three local farms. This initiative supports community health, food security, and local farm viability, with enrollees receiving free produce through healthcare prescriptions or other referrals for diet-related issues or food insecurity. The participating farms benefit from a guaranteed market, and set their own prices for the produce that ACORN purchases. Thanks to additional funding sources, ACORN is gearing up to offer year-round shares beginning this winter.

I feel absolutely so fortunate to be in the program. The people are all so nice; the food is so good and fresh. 

- Lisa Lamoureux, Middlebury resident, who’s participated in ACORN’s Farmacy for around four years

Lilah Kruger, Programs and Outreach Coordinator at ACORN, is a co-curator of Farm to Plate's CSA & Healthcare Community of Practice. This groups creates a space for professionals and practitioners interested in integrating our food and health care systems to connect, and advance similar programs across Vermont. These Farmacy programs demonstrate how improving food security directly supports local farms, enhancing both community health and our state's agricultural sector.

Full story on the Addison County Independent website