A health centre in Glasgow, Scotland, is providing free fresh vegetables to patients as part of a 'food is medicine' program. The initiative, run by the Govan and Linthouse Parish Church in partnership with the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board, aims to address food insecurity and improve health outcomes by prescribing nutritious food alongside medical advice.
The program operates from the Govan Health Centre, where patients can receive vouchers for a local community market. The project is funded by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery Community Fund, reflecting a growing recognition of the link between diet and chronic disease management.
Health professionals involved state the approach helps patients with conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The model is inspired by similar 'social prescribing' efforts that connect patients with non-medical community support to improve wellbeing.
