Fresh produce for families: how our partnerships are supporting healthy living for Southwest Ohio Families

Access to healthy food can change the trajectory of a family’s health. When families have consistent access to fresh fruits and vegetables, they have more opportunities to build healthy habits, support healthy pregnancies, give children a strong start in their first year of life, and improve overall well-being. Food access can help families stay healthy, strong, and connected. However, for families who face food insecurity, the cost, time, and transportation required to get nutritious food is a barrier.

This summer, healthcare providers, community health workers, and case managers in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas helped bridge that gap by connecting families with fresh produce through food access programs at Produce Perks Midwest. Through partnerships with Dayton Children’s Hospital, Cradle Cincinnati, Public-Health Dayton Montgomery County, and Montgomery County, we provided more than 200 families with either produce vouchers to shop at farmers’ markets and local grocery stores or fresh produce delivered directly to their homes.

These partnerships are slated to provide more than 300,000 servings of fruits and vegetables for Dayton and Cincinnati families through 2026 and 2027.

By increasing families’ access to fresh, healthy produce, we are working together to make healthy choices easier for families and supporting healthy habits for life.