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FVRx2024-11-08T17:32:26+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 the path to well-being.  

We have worked 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!  

Eating 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:

Anais Sanchez

Phone: 360-854-7168

For administrative questions, please contact

Rachel Muia

Phone: 360-854-7171

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 Bucks 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 perspective, food is medicine. FVRx helps participants be intentional 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! 

  1. Go to any participating store or farmers market with your FVRx Bucks.  
  2. 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.  
  3. When checking out, separate the produce you intend to purchase with Bucks from your other groceries, as they will be rung up separately.  
  4. Pay for your fresh produce with FVRx Bucks. Note that no change can be given   
  5. 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 

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 folks living in Skagit County. This program is a great fit for seniors, individuals, and families who: 

  • 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 Gleaners2020-11-10T01:31:35+00:00

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 Treasure2020-11-10T16:51:30+00:00

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 subscription2021-05-18T15:27:33+00:00

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 Food2020-11-10T16:59:44+00:00

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 Walks2021-05-03T18:10:35+00:00

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?2021-12-22T22:18:06+00:00

What is the difference between FVRx Bucks and regular cash?2021-01-14T03:59:19+00:00

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-replaceable, 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?2020-11-16T21:14:03+00:00

  1. Go to any participating store or farmers market with your FVRx Bucks. 
  2. 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. 
  3. When checking out, separate the produce you intend to purchase with Bucks from your other groceries, as they will be rung up separately. 
  4. Pay for your fresh produce with FVRx Bucks. Then pay for your other groceries as usual.
  5. 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?2020-11-16T21:20:50+00:00

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: 

  1. Pay the remainder with your own money (use $10 in FVRx Bucks and $3.02 of your own money). 
  2. Use only FVRx Bucks and pay slightly more than the total (use $15 in FVRx Bucks, but receive no change). 
  3. 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?2020-11-16T21:24:21+00:00

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

© Copyright 2023, all rights reserved | United General District 304
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