Backus is helping community eat healthier

Your editorial, “Meeting the challenge of providing healthy food” (Aug. 6), rightly calls attention to the need to make healthy food readily available to all residents, especially the most vulnerable. We applaud the efforts of a group of University of Connecticut journalism students, who highlighted the prevalence of this issue within the city of Hartford, and your spotlight on their findings.

The Day called upon regional hospitals to sponsor programs, such as one in Vermont, to “prescribe” healthy food to low-income residents. For seven years Backus Hospital in Norwich has had a successful collaborative like the Vermont program, called “Rx for Health.”

We’ve partnered with medical providers who write an “Rx Prescription” for children who are overweight or nutritionally at risk. The prescription may be redeemed at the “Rx Tent” at the Norwich Farmers Market, where the family receives vouchers for fresh produce, farmfresh eggs, and whole-grain bread. A family can visit the market up to five times, receiving up to $100 of free healthy food during the market season. In addition, a Backus dietitian is on-site to offer free nutrition counseling.

Your editorial encouraged teamwork. For this program, we partner with UCFS Health Center, Generations Family Health Center, TVCCA, and local pediatrician offices including the Norwich Pediatric Group. Additionally, the Lions Club of Norwich provides free vision screenings at the market, UCFS Health Center provides oral hygiene assistance, and Backus offers blood pressure screenings.

Each week, my colleagues and I see the difference “Rx for Health” makes for families and their children. One grateful mom, Maria DeJesus, even filmed a video with us — crediting our program with helping her son lose more than 100 pounds since their family began taking part six years ago.

Thank you for calling attention to the often overlooked issue of food insecurity. Backus Hospital is proud of its partnership with other organizations to provide innovative solutions.