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SPENCER -- A fresh-food program in Roane and nine other counties in the state has received over $600,000 from the Walmart Fund to expand their services.
Appetite for a Healthier Future, a program through West Virginia University Extension Services, encompasses four different programs in the state, according to Kristin McCartney, public health director for WVU Extension.
All four programs have been done in the past. but with this grant, those programs will be banded together to support the communities.
Among the programs is the FARMacy kid's farmer's market. McCartney said hopefully in the fall, it will be able to help 1,000 kids in each county receive money to purchase produce at their school.
The FARMacy program works with local clinics that select patients to receive a 'prescription' for fresh fruits and vegetables to help improve their health.
Another way the funding will help is to expand what is available through S.N.A.P. benefits.
"(This will) allow people to use their benefits at a produce market to double or triple their purchase," McCartney said.
According to a news release from WVU Extension, one in four rural residents in the state struggles with food insecurity.
"Two food pantries in each of the targeted counties will receive cold storage capability to increase the amount of fresh, healthy foods they distribute as part of a new Farm-to-Food Pantry program," the Extension Service said.
Through this funding, community residents in need will be able to receive help from different facets in the community.
"We are helping people through all different angles; through school, healthcare, the farmer's markets, they're getting the help from all over," McCartney said. "(It's) putting money into the local food economy and help local farmers build up their capability. It's a great thing for health, food access and the economy."
Candice Black can be reached at cblack@newsandsentinel.com.