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FVRx - United General District 304
FVRx - United General District 304
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FVRx
scarr
2025-06-04T17:04:15+00:00
Skagit Fruit and Veggie Prescription Program
Due to changes in grant funding, enrollment of Skagit FVRx participants is currently paused
Skagit FVRx is a healthy eating program that provides vouchers (FVRx Bucks) to buy fresh fruits and vegetables alongside nutrition education and other local resources for wellbeing.
What is Skagit FVRx?
How Does it Work?
Who Qualifies?
How to Apply
Resources & FAQs
What is Skagit FVRx?
Skagit
FVRx
takes a new approach to helping people live healthier
lives by providing
prescriptions for
nourishing foods and supporting people on th
path
to
well-being
We
have
work
ed
with
healthcare providers, local stores, farmers markets,
and
nutrition experts
to create a program that makes fruits and veggies
a more affordable and tasty option
for
people in our communities
By
giving individuals and families the
power to buy and eat more fresh
, healthy
fruits and vegetables
we
can
prevent and, in some cases, reverse risks for chronic disease.
And
FVRx
is
not just about long-term health!
ating more produce has helped past Skagit
FVRx
participants
feel
more satisfied
in their lives
overall
and have enough energy for the
day-to-day activities that matter to them.
Going into its ninth year, Skagit
FVRx
has become a popular and respected program in the valley.
Read on to find out more
about the program.
For questions about eligibility and enrollment, please contact:
Vanessa Roldan
Phone:
360-854-7158
Email:
Vanessa.Roldan@UnitedGeneral.org
For administrative questions, please contact
Rachel Muia
Phone:
360-854-7171
Email:
Rachel.Muia@UnitedGeneral.org
How Does it Work?
Eligible participants receive prescriptions in the form of paper vouchers called
FVRx
Bucks
that can be used to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs
at select stores.
The 2024 program runs from January through December and provides
up to $150
in
FVRx
ucks per month
($30 per month per person in the household)
along with helpful nutrition information and
easy
recipes
Every month during the program, participants will…
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“From my perspec
tive, food is medicine. FVRx helps participants be inten
tional about food choices and ask themselves, ‘What’s good fuel for my body?’
- Pamela Hassler
PeaceHealth Provider
“I have learned to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. [FVRx] has allowed me to learn different ways to cook and eat healthier.”
- FVRx participant
The program allows them to try new things in a fun way. Finding delight in food connects to an overall sense of health and well-being for our patients.“
-Pamela Hassler
PeaceHealth Provider
“I learned new ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into my family’s diet. Also, my body has felt more healthy, my kids have lost weight, and my A1c is down .7 points!”
- FVRx participant
How to Use FVRx Bucks
FVRx
Bucks come in $5 denominations on a sheet of perforated paper that can be separated into individual bill-size bucks. These Bucks can then be used to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at
participating stores and farmers markets
in Skagit County.
It’s easy to use
FVRx
Bucks!
Go to any participating store or farmers market with your FVRx Bucks.
Select fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you want to purchase. For produce sold by the pound, get a rough estimate of the cost by weighing as you go. This will help you know how many FVRx Bucks you will need to use.
When checking out, separate the produce you intend to purchase with Bucks from your other groceries, as they will be rung up separately.
Pay for your fresh produce with FVRx Bucks.
Note that no change can be given
Go home and prepare delicious food with the fresh fruits and vegetables you have purchased!
FVRx
Bucks are like regular cash. They cannot be replaced if lost, damaged, or stolen, so it’s important to keep track of Bucks closely. There are, however,
a few key differences
between regular money and
FVRx
Bucks.
Click here
to learn more.
See helpful
tips on
how to make the most of FVRx Bucks
When using your FVRx Bucks to purchase fresh produce, it is unlikely that your total will be an even number that can be bought using only $5 bills. If, for example, your total comes to $13.02, you have three options:
Pay the remainder with your own money (use $10 in FVRx Bucks and $3.02 of your own money).
Use only FVRx Bucks and pay slightly more than the total (use $15 in FVRx Bucks, but receive no change).
Select a bit more produce to make up the difference (for example, add a couple of apples to your purchase and bring the total to $14.55).
Click here to see where you can use FVRx Bucks
Who Qualifies?
The Skagit
FVRx
program is designed to increase the
amount
of fresh fruits and vegetables in participants’ diets and is aimed at
income-eligible
fo
lks
living in Skagit County. This program is a g
reat
fit for seniors, individuals, and families who:
Who is Income-Eligible?
You may be income eligible if you or another member of your household qualify for, or are currently receiving, one or more of the following:
Basic Food (EBT/SNAP/Food Stamps)
TANF (cash assistance)
WIC
SFMNP
Apple Health
Medicare
Medicaid
Not sure if you qualify? Contact Anais Sanchez to find out. Email her at:
Anais.Sanchez@UnitedGeneral.org
, or call 360-854-7168.
Are interested in making positive health changes in their lives
Are at risk for, or living with, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol
Are willing to participate in one, 1-hour session per month and take occasional surveys
How to Apply
We are not currently enrolling participants, but are actively seeking funding for future programming. At this time, we do not have a date for future enrollment.
Resources & FAQs
Additional Resources
Skagit Gleaners
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2020-11-10T01:31:35+00:00
Skagit Gleaners
Skagit Gleaners provides fresh and nutritious food to help working families achieve personal financial and health goals. They do this by rescuing and redistributing surplus fresh food to their members. Their market is located at: 1021 Riverside Dr, Mt Vernon. Visit the
Skagit Gleaners website
for more information.
Trek for Treasure
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2020-11-10T16:51:30+00:00
Trek for Treasure
Trek for Treasure is a summer adventure program that invites teams of two or more people to complete a series of hikes in the area. Hidden clues at the end of each hike help you solve riddles in your quest to find the hidden treasure! This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and engage in an active lifestyle. Visit the
Trek for Treasure website
for more information.
Viva Farms CSA subscription
scarr
2021-05-18T15:27:33+00:00
Viva Farms CSA subscription
The Viva Farms’ CSA is a subscription to receive weekly boxes of farm-fresh organic produce, grown by the farmers in their program. By joining Viva Farms’ CSA, you are directly contributing to beginning farmers’ success in building viable farm businesses. For more information, visit the
Viva Farms website
Basic Food
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2020-11-10T16:59:44+00:00
Basic Food
Basic Food provides monthly benefits to supplement grocery money while promoting healthy eating and reducing food insecurity. Benefits are automatically loaded onto an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card bi-monthly. EBT cards can be used to buy food at participating grocery stores. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit our
Basic Food webpage
Skagit Nature Rx – Nature Walks
scarr
2021-05-03T18:10:35+00:00
Skagit Nature Rx – Nature Walks
Skagit Nature Rx is offering a new FREE nature walking program. Sign up today for an Out & About—Group Nature Walking program and learn how to maximize the health benefits of nature while exploring beautiful parks and trails across Skagit County. See our
Nature Rx webpage
for information!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I spend my FVRx Bucks?
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2021-12-22T22:18:06+00:00
Where can I spend my FVRx Bucks?
Click here to see where you can use FVRx Bucks
What is the difference between FVRx Bucks and regular cash?
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2021-01-14T03:59:19+00:00
What is the difference between FVRx Bucks and regular cash?
In many ways,
FVRx
Bucks are like regular cash. They
are a similar size and shape to regular paper money, they are unique and non-
replac
able
, and they can be used at a participating store or farmers market in place of regular cash. There are,
however,
a few key differences between regular money and
FVRx
Bucks:
Bucks may be spent on
all
fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs
only.
Because Skagit
FVRx
is designed to help participants explore the health benefits and natural flavors of fresh produce, frozen, canned, dried, or otherwise prepared foods are
not
eligible for purchase with your bucks.
No change is given for
FVRx
Bucks.
Click here to find out more
FVRx
Bucks are distributed every month
. However, Bucks
do not expire until the end of the program
(December 2021), so you have plenty of time to shop when it’s convenient for you!
FVRx
Bucks can be used at any
participating retail store or farmers markets
in Burlington, Concrete, Mount Vernon, or Sedro-Woolley.
Click here
for a simple,
step-by-step explanation
of how to use your
FVRx
Bucks at the store or
farmers
market.
How do I use my FVRx Bucks?
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2020-11-16T21:14:03+00:00
How do I use my FVRx Bucks?
Go to any
participating store or farmers market
with your FVRx Bucks.
Select fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs you want to purchase with your FVRx Bucks. For produce sold by the pound, get a rough estimate of the cost by weighing as you go. This will help you know how many FVRx Bucks you will need to use.
When checking out, separate the produce you intend to purchase with Bucks from your other groceries, as they will be rung up separately.
Pay for your fresh produce with FVRx Bucks. Then pay for your other groceries as usual.
Go home and prepare delicious food with the fresh fruits and vegetables you have purchased!
What happens when my produce purchase is greater or less than $5 increments?
scarr
2020-11-16T21:20:50+00:00
What happens when my produce purchase is greater or less than $5 increments?
When using your FVRx Bucks to purchase fresh produce, it is unlikely that your total will be an even number that can be bought using only $5 bills. If, for example, your total comes to $13.02, you have three options:
Pay the remainder with your own money (use $10 in FVRx Bucks and $3.02 of your own money).
Use only FVRx Bucks and pay slightly more than the total (use $15 in FVRx Bucks, but receive no change).
Select a bit more produce to make up the difference (for example, add a couple of apples to your purchase and bring the total to $14.55).
How do I make the most of my FVRx Bucks?
scarr
2020-11-16T21:24:21+00:00
How do I make the most of my FVRx Bucks?
Here are a few ideas to help you get the most fruits and veggies out of your FVRx Bucks:
Weigh produce sold by the pound to get a rough estimate of the cost.
Group produce into piles of about $5 to get an idea of the total.
Shop seasonal and sale produce to get the best flavor and value.
Consider using your bucks to purchase a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box. If you’re interested, call 360-969-7191 ext. 3, or visit the
Viva Farms website
Buy in bulk if it makes sense for your situation and storage.
Many stores and farmer’s markets will let you sample produce or give
you
ideas about how to use items that are unfamiliar to you! Past participants shared how bucks gave them the freedom to try new foods.
Shop the rainbow! More colors of fruits and veggies means a variety of vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy.
It can be helpful to wash and cut up veggies and store them in the fridge. Then you can just grab a healthy snack when hunger strikes.
Partners & Funding
United General District 304 is proud to partner with
The Skagit FVRx program is funded by a generous grant from the United States Department of Agriculture
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