West Virginia has become the first state permitted to use USDA funding to objectively evaluate nutrition programs aimed at increasing fruit and vegetable intake, as the state pilots new technology through its FARMacy WV produce prescription program.
The West Virginia Department of Human Services is using a device called the Veggie Meter to evaluate the impact of FARMacy WV: Prescriptions for Produce, a program connecting participants with fresh, local produce and nutrition education as a formal part of their medical care plan to address food insecurity and chronic illness.
The Veggie Meter uses reflection spectroscopy paired with a non-invasive finger scan to determine skin carotenoid levels — natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables that serve as antioxidants. There are currently three Veggie Meters in use throughout West Virginia.
“Data is one of the most powerful tools we have to inform decision-making and drive meaningful change in our public programs,” said Alex J. Mayer, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services. “This initiative represents another intentional step in West Virginia’s broader journey to strengthen health outcomes and build a healthier future for our communities. Tools like the Veggie Meter help us better understand the impact of preventive programs and demonstrate that improving nutrition access can directly support long-term wellness in our communities.”
Gina Wood, a registered dietitian and specialist with the WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program, oversees FARMacy WV in the Mid-Ohio Valley region and recently collected Veggie Meter scores among participants in Jackson County.
“Overall, the 23 participants were so curious about the new technology, and once I explained it, they were eager to test it out,” Wood said. “While the results are preliminary, participants significantly increased their scores over the course of the program. At the end, there were proud smiles, cheers, and high fives as they saw their scores improve and supported one another’s progress.”
FARMacy WV is supported in part through the WVU Extension Family Nutrition Program and SNAP-Ed. The program was established in 2016 and expanded in 2020 to increase access to fresh foods and nutrition education across the state.
For more information, visit dohs.wv.gov.
