Future Neenah Farmers Market Receives Rhoades Foundation Grant

Neenah, WI  June 1, 2016–  Future Neenah was the recipient of a Rhoades Foundation Grant for the Future Neenah Farmers Market. The $14,000 grant will be used over a three year period to support a program encouraging low income families to buy fresh, locally grown produce at the Farmers Market. According to Amy Barker, Executive Director for Future Neenah, the grant funding allowed Future Neenah to collaborate with the Partnership Community Health Center to create A Prescription For Healthy Living Program.

The Prescription For Healthy Living program gives patients of The Partnership Community Health Center a handwritten prescription from their doctor or dentist with instructions to eat fruits and vegetables. Patients can redeem their prescriptions at the Future Neenah Farmers Market. Their prescriptions are presented at the Farmers Market information booth to receive $5 in free tokens allowing them to purchase healthy food from local farms. Patients who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can use the prescription in conjunction with their Quest Card and receive a dollar for dollar match, up to $10, for tokens to spend at the Market. Trish Sarvela Development Director Partnership Community Health Center said, “PCHC is thrilled to be a partner in this project.  Our patients love the program and are very excited to get to the market and shop.  For many low income people, it is hard to buy local and fresh foods and this incentive makes a huge difference.”

Barker said “The generosity of the Rhoades Foundation allows Future Neenah to provide an opportunity for low-income families to stretch their household food budget while incorporating locally grown, fresh produce in their lifestyle.” The Prescription For Healthy Living program helps teach families that making healthy food choices and eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Barker stated “Prescription for Healthy Living is a subsidy program that by its inherent nature encourages healthy eating and promotes wellness within our community while also supporting local farmers.”

The Future Neenah Farmers Market begins June 18 and runs through October 15 from 8am and noon at Shattuck Park, 210 E. Wisconsin Ave., Neenah.

Future Neenah, Inc. is a community driven non-profit organization
dedicated to promoting the economic and cultural vitality of Neenah Area.