November 2023 - 4

EDITOR'S LETTER
A prescription
for success
I
t's good to hear when research agrees
that eating fruits and vegetables will
lead to healthier outcomes. A new study
in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and
Outcomes by Kurt Hager, an instructor
of epidemiology at UMass Chan Medical
School and Fang Fang Zhang, a professor
of epidemiology at Tufts University, shows
that people with diabetes, hypertension
and obesity saw health improvements
when they received a prescription for free
fruits and vegetables from a doctor.
The study indicated that blood sugar
levels, blood pressure and weight
of individuals reacted positively to
fruit consumption, and it is good to see policies change as research
underscores the benefits of fresh produce.
The concept of food as medicine is gaining traction across the country,
with " patients " positive outcomes.
Patients in the recent study received an average of $65 for 4-10
months. Patients could purchase apples, broccoli, berries, cucumbers
and other fresh produce for free.
The study tracked results of programs in Los Angeles, Houston,
Minneapolis, Boise and other areas. The researchers focused on data
from 22 U.S. produce prescription locations run by Wholesome Wave.
The non-profit promotes access to affordable and healthy foods.
Participants in the programs ate more fruits and vegetables and were
one-third less likely to experience food insecurity.
The two researchers are evaluating " food as medicines " programs
funded by Massachusetts' Medicaid program, and are running large
randomized controlled trials in which one group will get free homedelivered
meals and the other will receive standard care.
Here at Great American Media Services, we're preparing for the Great
Lakes Fruit, Vegetable & Farm Market EXPO, which means were getting
ready for two special events that we sponsor: the Farm Market Bus Tour,
which is the day before the EXPO kicks off, and our Fruit + Vegetable
40 Under 40 Awards ceremony, which recognizes the up-and-coming
younger generation who are already making their mark via research,
running a family company, helping growers meet their potential and so
much more.
We hope to see you on the bus and at the awards ceremony on the
Expo show floor.
EDITORIAL
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSISTANT EDITOR
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Chris Koger, 616-520-2156
ckoger@greatamericanpublish.com
Doug Ohlemeier, 616-520-2162
dohlemeier@greatamericanpublish.com
Debbie Eisele, 616-520-2160
deisele@greatamericanpublish.com
ADVERTISING SALES
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
ACCOUNT SPECIALIST
Greg Sebel, 616-520-2146
vgnads@vegetablegrowersnews.com
Kim Meyers, 616-520-2137
kmeyers@greatamericanpublish.com
PRODUCTION
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ASSOCIATE CREATIVE
DIRECTOR
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alexa Armstrong, 616-520-2174
aarmstrong@greatamericanpublish.com
Amanda Mackey, 616-520-2157
amackey@greatamericanpublish.com
Allison McKenzie, 616-520-2142
amckenzie@greatamericanpublish.com
CIRCULATION
AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
Becky Stovall, 616-520-2138
circulation@vegetablegrowersnews.com
CORPORATE
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
COO & CHIEF
MARKETING OFFICER
PUBLISHER/CEO
Deb Carnes, 616-520-2169
dcarnes@greatamericanpublish.com
Kim Baker, 616-520-2135
kbaker@greatamericanpublish.com
Matt McCallum, 616-520-2133
mmccallum@greatamericanpublish.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Frank Gasperini
Kevin Hosey
Simon Huntley
Bob Jones
William Lamont
Carolyn O'Donnell
Chris Pawelski
Rick Snyder
Tim Waters
Ben Werling
USPS 015-789, ISSN 1049-8494
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT SPARTA, MI AND ADDITIONAL OFFICES
Published monthly except, May/June, July/Aug, and Sept/Oct by
GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA SERVICES INC.
Office at 75 Applewood Dr., Suite A, Sparta, Michigan 49345.
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to:
Great American Publishing,
PO Box 318, Lincolnshire IL 60069
SUBSCRIPTION RATES
United States: $35.50 per 3 years,
$15.50 per year
Canada: $56 per year,
Foreign Countries: $100 per year
Digital Editions: $9.95 per year,
Back Issues: $6 each
NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 57 | ISSUE 8
The opinions and views expressed by authors, contributors and
advertisers in Vegetable Growers News do not necessarily reflect those
of the editors and publisher. Appearance in Vegetable Growers News
does not constitute endorsement by Great American Media Services
or Vegetable Growers News of the advertiser, its products, or services.
Great American Media Services and Vegetable Growers News accepts no
Chris Koger, Managing Editor
responsibility of liability for the validity or accuracy of information supplied
by contributors, vendors, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Great
American Media Services and Vegetable Growers News do not make any
claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of information supplied
by contributors, vendors, advertisers or advertising agencies.
Copyright 2023
VEGETABLE GROWERS NEWS is a publication of
4 | NOVEMBER 2023
a division of Great American Publishing
November 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2023
