The UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi is helping locals live healthier lives by changing up their diets.
“We have our Farm-to-Fork program going on today that spans from May through September. It’s a program where our members can come get a bag of fresh produce. All they have to do is show their ID card,” said April Weathers, one of the organization’s outreach specialist.
The organization partnered with Alcorn State University, which grew the produce on campus.
“They drove up this morning. We packaged them in the grocery bags and gave them to the members,” said Weathers.
Residents picked up their bag of veggies yesterday at the Multi-County Community Service Agency. They received onions, bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and sweet potatoes.
“You never know what families are dealing with. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this program has helped a family. One of my first Farm-to-Forks, a member got very emotional. She said she had nothing left in her pantry. By the grace of god this program was going on in the area and really helped her out,” said Weathers.
She explained that the program is also addressing the limited food options in Mississippi.
“Mississippi is a food desert. There are not a lot of healthy options. You have fast food, convenience stores, but there are not a lot of options for healthy eating. This program is a way that we’re offering healthy eating to our members.”
The UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Mississippi gives away free bags of produce five times a year. The organization will hand out bags again on June 11th at the Multi-County Community Service Agency.
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