STEUBEN COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) --  According to SNAP-Ed and Steuben County's Cornell Cooperative Extension, in the Southern Finger Lakes Region, nearly 10% of residents struggle with food insecurity and many lack access to fresh produce. But, SNAP-Ed is working to change that.

Since 2019, the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program has partnered with local healthcare providers to host nutrition classes and give produce vouchers to help prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Participants are able to attend six weeks of series classes on topics like healthy eating, cooking, and lifestyle skills and techniques. They also receive $20 vouchers every class, totaling $120 at the end of the series, to be used on fresh produce at local participating vendors.

In 2024, 50% of participants said they ate more fruits, 68% of attendees said they ate more vegetables, and over 60% reported better access to healthy food. All of this was reported by people after they took the classes.

Plus, it also helps local retailers. Over 81% of the distributed vouchers were redeemed, bringing in over $2,600 for providers.

SNAP-Ed says they are aiming to expand and continue improving local health.

If you'd like to get involved, you can head over to the program's website linked here.