Farm to You Brings Fresh, Local Produce to Patients Across the Eastern Panhandle Region 

Access to healthy food is an important part of overall wellness, and the Farm to You program is helping make that access easier for patients throughout Berkeley and Jefferson counties. Developed through a partnership between the WVU Medicine East Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Health and the West Virginia University Health Sciences Center Eastern Division, Farm to You connects patients with free, locally grown produce, healthy recipes, nutrition education, and cooking resources. 

The program supports priorities identified through the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), particularly efforts to improve nutrition, reduce chronic disease, and address barriers that can make it difficult for individuals and families to maintain healthy eating habits. By increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables and providing practical education on preparing healthy meals, Farm to You helps promote better health outcomes throughout our communities while also supporting our local farmers and local food economy. 

"We started Farm to You in our Diabetes Center in 2018 to provide our patients and families with access to fresh local produce, while incorporating it into the clinical visit with nutrition education and tips how to build fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet in a way that works for them,” shared Farm to You Program Director Emma Eggleston, MD. “Research shows us that healthy food is a cornerstone of good health from childhood to pregnancy to old age and affects not only our risk of diabetes, heart disease or cancer but also our mental and emotional health. Through the support of a USDA grant and generous donors, we have been able to expand to eight WVU Medicine clinics and engage our medical students, residents and staff. The impact on our patients and the support for our local farmers has been wonderful to see." 

Farm to You operates as a mobile program that visits participating clinics twice each month from May through October. Patients can stop by the mobile teaching kitchen to select a variety of fresh produce sourced from local Berkeley and Jefferson County farmers. Participants also receive recipe cards, and other resources are available via the website and Facebook page to help them make the most of their produce at home 

Patients are referred by their healthcare provider for a produce prescription option that offers ongoing support for specific nutrition and health needs such as diabetes, hypertension, or pregnancy.  The program is also available to active patients at participating WVU Medicine Farm to You clinics, with no appointment required for clinic-wide produce distributions, which are first come, first served. According to Amanda Tomlin, Farm to You program coordinator, the impact of the program extends far beyond putting healthy food on the table.  

Since 2023, the program has filled 1,092 produce prescriptions, and since May 2025 has served an additional 5,923 WVU Medicine patients from participating clinics through its produce distributions. 

“We see the benefits in so many ways. Participants tell us they are managing their conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease more effectively because they have consistent access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. “When healthy food is easier to access, people are more likely to make it a regular part of their lifestyle.” 

For participant Janet Jenkins, the produce prescription program has delivered both health and financial benefits. 

“Having access to fresh produce through Farm to You has made a real difference in my health,” Jenkins said. “Since participating in the program, my A1C has gone down, and I feel better knowing I have healthier options available. It has also helped lower my grocery bills, which has been a tremendous help for me.” 

The program also helps to ease financial pressures for many families by providing fresh produce at no cost. 

“For many participants, the financial impact is just as meaningful as the health benefits,” Tomlin said. “Being able to take home fresh, locally grown produce without stretching an already tight grocery budget allows families to focus on other essential needs while still making healthy choices.”  

Community member Zuzu Rokni, who participates in the program's first-come-first-served distributions, said the produce has been a valuable resource for her family. 

“Farm to You has helped stretch our food budget and made it possible to bring home fruits and vegetables I might not otherwise purchase,” Rokni said. “It has given my family the opportunity to try new produce and discover new foods while still staying within our budget.” 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program, Tomlin said, is hearing participants share their successes throughout the season. 

“Our participants are always excited to tell us about the positive changes they’re making. Those stories remind us why this program is so important. The produce opens the door, but the education and confidence they gain help create lasting lifestyle changes.”  

Farm to You events will continue through October 28, providing eligible patients with opportunities to receive free produce, explore healthy recipes, and learn practical cooking techniques. To learn more about Farm to You, find an upcoming event location, or view program resources, visit farmtoyouwv.org, speak with your healthcare provider, or watch the program video.