(Brookings, SD) — A prescription produce program is trying to get a jumpstart in the area, thanks to a South Dakota State professor and local farmers. It’s called Dakota Food Rx.
Prescription produce programs help to provide better options to families in need. Nearly 73-thousand South Dakotans are considered food insecure. Geb Bastian, an assistant professor of nutrition and dietetics at SDSU, teamed up with South Dakota Growers for the program in an effort to provide healthy alternatives for people who are limited to cheaper food options. The 2024 Dakota Food Rx program is currently looking to grow with more local farmers and volunteers which could lead to additional federal funding.