Rx Program

The FreshRx Program aims to address food insecurity, improve diet-related health outcomes, and reduce healthcare usage and costs by providing nutrition, cooking, and physical activity education. Cornell Cooperative Extension offers two series of (6) classes: "Eat Healthy, Be Active," and "Cooking Matters in Your Community".

In-person workshops will be held May-August, 2025. Workshops include lectures, visuals, discussions, physical activity breaks, cooking demonstrations, and skills practice. Eligible participants residing in Sullivan or Orange County, NY can earn nutrition incentives for attending workshops. Individuals who screen positive for pre-diabetes and enroll in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) can also receive FreshRx bucks or produce boxes for attendance.

How it works:

Nutrition and cooking classes are available free of cost for all interested community members upon registration. Individuals qualifying for SNAP and/or Medicaid can earn vouchers which can be used to buy farm-fresh local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers' markets, including the Sullivan Fresh Farmers' Market and all of the Sullivan Fresh Mobile Market stops. Contact your course instructor for a complete list of participating markets.

There is now an online class option available for Eat Healthy, Be Active, which can be completed from your home at your convenience. Enrollment is open through July 22nd, 2025 and the class officially ends August 31st, 2025.

If you are interested in joining the program, view open courses and enroll at https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events.cfm?dept=248.

In order to receive FreshRx bucks, you must be able to provide proof of eligibility in the form of a current EBT or state-run insurance plan card (or waiver).

Please spread the word to friends, family, and/or clients who may be interested in learning more about diet- and lifestyle-related ways to improve their health!

The Diabetes Prevention Program, offered by Shelly DeHaan of Garnet Health in partnership with certified life coaches in both English and Spanish, is accepting enrollees now. To learn more about DPP see attachments on the sidebar of this page and complete the Prediabetes Risk Test, or call (845) 794-3300, ext. 2106.

FreshRx is a Produce Prescription Program funded by the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program and provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County in partnership with Garnet Health.

View the link below for more information about Sullivan Fresh Farmers' Markets:

https://sullivancatskillsfarmersmarkets.com/sullivan-fresh/

If you have any questions, comments, or requests for special accommodations, please reach out to Joy Leon at the phone number provided below or email freshrx@cornell.edu.

Last updated January 23, 2025