Gilly Vending Sponsors Innovative Healthy Food Prescription Program
Program Supports Grady Hospital, Morehouse School of Medicine, MARTA and Atlanta Community Healthy Initiatives
ATLANTA, Feb. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Gilly Vending supports Wholesome Wave Georgia as a sponsor of the 2017 Fruit & Vegetable Prescription (FVRx) Program at Grady Hospital and Morehouse School of Medicine. The FVRx Program gives families innovative prescriptions that can be spent on fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Run by Wholesome Wave Georgia (WWG), FVRx promotes affordable access to fruits and vegetables and healthy eating in underserved communities through partnerships with healthcare providers, community organizations and fresh produce retailers.
Over the course of the six-month program, patients suffering from food insecurity and chronic, diet-related disease participate in weekly cooking and nutrition education classes, set healthy eating goals with their doctors, and receive prescriptions for fruits and vegetables. Participant's weekly prescriptions are worth $1 a day for each member of their household, which for a family of four adds up to $28 a week in produce.
"Gilly Vending helped the FVRx Program grow and thrive in Atlanta," said Sara Berney, Executive Director of WWG. "We are grateful for their commitment to promoting healthy food options in Atlanta's communities."
Financial support from Gilly Vending made the program more accessible to participants at Grady and Morehouse; free MARTA passes helped participants get to and from their doctor's visits and cooking and nutrition classes. "We are happily committed to making a substantial impact by supporting organizations that truly make a difference such as Wholesome Wave Georgia does when it comes to promoting healthy options and providing outreach programs that assist and benefit the community," said Gilda Rosenberg, CEO of Gilly Vending. The passes also gave participants access to the Fresh MARTA Markets, where their prescriptions are redeemed for fresh, local fruits and vegetables.
The FVRx Program has a demonstrated impact, resulting in healthier communities, food systems, and local economies. With their prescriptions, participants purchased over $16,000 worth of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. Across Grady Hospital and Morehouse School of Medicine, 40 program participants completed the program; on average, participants saw a decrease in Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure.
About Gilly Vending, Inc.
Gilly Vending is the largest independently owned vending company in the United States. An WBE / MBE / ACDBE certified company serving prestigious college, university, hospital, military and transportation locations in over 45 states nationwide. Gilly Vending delivers market-responsive strategies that are developed to drive down costs, enhance revenues and build a foundation of lasting customer service performance. Vetted and trusted with over three decades of industry experience, Gilly offers full line cutting-edge technologically advanced automated snack and beverage solutions in addition to automated micro market concepts. For more information: www.gillyusa.com
About Wholesome Wave Georgia
Wholesome Wave Georgia believes that all Georgians should have access to fresh, wholesome and locally grown food. Founded in 2009, WWG strives to strengthen local food communities by empowering networks of farmers to facilitate access to and awareness of healthy food choices. By increasing the affordability of healthy, locally grown foods, WWG makes healthy, nourishing choices accessible for Georgia's food insecure population. WWG realizes its mission through two core programs: Georgia Fresh For Less and the Fruit & Vegetable Prescription Program. More information is at www.wholesomewavegeorgia.org.
CONTACT:
Mary Diorio | [email protected] | 786.877.4453
Emme Raus | [email protected] | 404.551.5996
SOURCE Gilly Vending; Wholesome Wave
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