About the Farm Share Rx Program
The Food Share’s Farm Share Rx program, in partnership with community health clinics in Salem, Grand Ronde and Stayton, helps increase access to fresh, healthy food by providing free, locally grown produce to low-income community members at risk of diet related illness. Research shows that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, yet many low-income families face barriers to eating this way due to cost, limited access, and time constraints.
Participants receive shares of seasonal produce for 18 weeks, along with a newsletter that includes simple tips for preparing and enjoying it. The produce is grown at our Youth Farm by teen youth farmers, who also help run summer Farm Share Rx distributions. This personal connection not only provides healthy food but also helps strengthen community ties.
Participants are referred by dietitians at partner clinics based on income, food insecurity, and health-related eligibility criteria. Due to limited program capacity, enrollment is not open to the general public. If you have questions about the Farm Share Rx program, please contact our Farm and Garden team.
Testimonials
“The home deliveries in particular have been valuable and greatly appreciated by those who were able to participate. As a clinic with patients who have many barriers, including transportation barriers, it can be challenging for them to regularly get to the in-person distribution.”
– Partner clinic dietitian
“We almost didn’t have veggies before and now I can make some for my family and they are eating more.”
– Program Participant
“I’m not usually a person who tries new things, but this helped to change that. I really enjoyed trying different things. It opened my mind to trying different things that I wouldn’t have tried in the past. Without the veggie rx we wouldn’t have eaten any veggies because we could not afford it.”
– Program Participant
“Thank you – what you bring to our homes has been very helpful and appreciated, especially in this time when groceries are so expensive. The home delivery was amazing and very helpful for me as a busy mom!”
– Program Participant
“I just think that it impacted us positive. I really appreciate the people that are doing this because it’s very needed for people who are lower income. I’ve also lost some weight.”
– Program Participant