A produce prescription program is putting fresh fruits and vegetables within reach for families in rural Louisiana. The Healthy Families Produce Prescription (HFPRx) program — developed through a partnership of the LSU AgCenter’s High Obesity Program (HOP), Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and About Fresh — is now available in Assumption, Terrebonne, Winn, Morehouse and Claiborne parishes. HFPRx helps families with Medicaid-enrolled children between the ages of 3 and 17 access healthier foods by providing $40 a month for six months on a pre-loaded FreshConnect card. This card can be used to purchase fresh produce at participating grocery stores and farmers markets, including Walmart and Albertsons. Enrollment is simple. Eligible families can self-enroll using a flier from a participating health care provider or community partner. Health care providers serve as key referral sites by confirming eligibility and sharing program materials during appointments or through patient portals. The program also offers benefits to local food retailers. Grocers and market vendors interested in joining the FreshConnect Retail Network can expand their customer base and support a healthier community with minimal technical effort and dedicated support. Read the full article: https://tinyurl.com/4v5h4adf Enrollment for HFPRx is open now and will close June 30. Families are encouraged to enroll early to make the most of the six-month benefit period. (fb)

If you are interested in canning and food preservation, contact your LSU AgCenter nutrition and community health agents in your parish. https://tinyurl.com/FindYourAgCenterAgent Agents have been trained in safe canning practices. They can answer questions about canning and test gauges on pressure canners for accuracy. (fb)