Urban Studies Senior Seminar Papers
Document Type
Thesis or dissertation
Date of this Version
2016
Abstract
This article evaluates the efficacy of Vegetable Prescription programs through a case study of the Sayre Good Food Bags (GFB) program at Sayre High School in Philadelphia, PA. This paper answers the question, how do vegetable prescription programs affect their members’ attitudes, behaviors, and habits towards vegetables and cooking? Vegetable Prescription programs typically are the result of relationships between health care providers and farms or farmers’ markets. The Sayre GFB program is a result of the relationship between the Sayre Health Center, and the Sayre Garden. Through interviews with GFB members and administrators, this study found that vegetable prescription programs have a moderate impact on members’ cooking and eating habits, but this particular program also served as a tool to promote food justice and intergenerational learning. The Sayre GFB program serves as alternative to the expensive and/or poor quality produce the members usually encounter at supermarkets. Many members were excited by the variety of produce and the inclusion of recipes for the vegetables in the bags. Many members used the GFB as a tool to promote their own well-being. The GFB members were most excited about the youth interns at the Sayre Garden. More research must be done to analyze the health effects of vegetable prescription programs, as we as to compare the effects of this type of vegetable prescription program to similar programs across the country.
Keywords
health, holistic, diet, disease, obesity, diabetes
Date Posted: 09 June 2016
Comments
Suggested Citation:
Blickenderfer, Zoe. "Vegetable Prescription Programs: A New Take on Holistic Health." University of Pennsylvania, Urban Studies Program. 2016.