Cabin Creek Health Center in Dawes has begun hosting a farmer's market every Thursday, the center care coordinator says.
Thankful Valley Farms & Hatchery, a Mason County business, sells fresh fruits, vegetables, jams, eggs, and meats at the health center every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The farmer's market began on July 20 and will continue until Oct. 12. The center is at 5722 Cabin Creek Road in Dawes, off the Sharon exit of Interstate 64/77.
WVU Extension Service representatives are on site to offer education on healthy eating, including nutritious recipes.
"Our goal here at the clinic in providing what we have called 'The FARMacy' is to bring access of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, and other farm goodies to an area and community that otherwise has to do without," said Jeremy Lloyd, care coordinator. "In terms of farmer's markets, the closest for our patients and surrounding communities would be Capitol Market in Charleston. While this doesn't seem like a long distance to many, here in this area that is the equivalent to a day's trip. The closest place to by groceries in general is the Walmart in Quincy, which again, for some is not easily accessible."
The farmer accepts SNAP, WIC, senior vouchers, cash, credit, debit, and clinic vouchers.
"In regard to our voucher systems, we have many patients who suffer from numerous comorbidities including diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity, to name a few, who don't have adequate access to create a healthy diet," Lloyd said. "We have created a prescription voucher system where our providers can prescribe their patients with a voucher of a designated amount to use at the farmer's market each week. For instance if someone has an uncontrolled A1C with diabetes, the voucher can be used for vegetables and fruits to help implement into that patients diet in an attempt to help them eat and be healthier. We want to help our patients have healthier, happier lives." A1C tests measure blood glucose.