Wholesome Wave's programs address the complex issues of food insecurity, farm viability, economic vitality of local communities, and diet-related diseases.
[2] Wholesome Wave programs increase access to affordable, healthy, locally grown fruits and vegetables for underserved consumers.
In 2007, Gus Schumacher and John Hyde raised money to double the value of food stamps, WIC vouchers, and benefits for seniors.
Schumacher, Wholesome Wave's co-founder, approached the National Watermelon Association for $5,000 to run a program at Crossroads Farmers Market.
Designed to measure how increased consumption of fresh produce affects critical obesity indicators, pilot programs launched at community health centers throughout Massachusetts and Maine in 2010.
[5] Healthcare providers work in conjunction with local nonprofits and Wholesome Wave to collect data on patient progress and measure success.
After their level of need is established based on consumption habits and Body Mass Index (BMI), the family's health care provider will then distribute prescriptions of a specified number of servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
These prescriptions can be redeemed weekly throughout participation in the 4- to 6-month-long program and are refilled monthly by the health care provider who will set new goals for healthy eating.